In America is it possible to carry on tripods in airplanes?

[erick_kyogoku]

I remember being able to bring my tripod aboard airplanes as a carry-on item before

2001. Is it still possible to do so today in America? Or will I have to check it in? I have a

smallish 4-section Manfrotto CF tripod. Has anyone reached the security gate then been

forced to check in their tripods? Thanks

[carlo_cayetano1]

I emailed the TSA on this same question and they stated that while it is not on the official list of banned items, the actual security gate agents may make the call to deny you from bringing it on. In the other hand, they may not care. If you search the forums, you'll probably find more insight.

[frank_dzambic]

I've seen some crazy stuff brought on board after 9/11, like canoe paddles, a cricket bat (or whatever the hell it was), etc. But, why leave yourself victim to the whim of whoever is manning the checkpoint that day? If the tripod is small enough to pack in your luggage, wrapped in clothes for protection, then that would be the way to go I think. At least it's what I've always done.

 

Not to mention that carrying a tripod is just another thing to divert your attention from your camera bag which is what's really important. And anything that helps divert your attention from what's really important (or draws attention to you in some way) can only help whatever criminal element--like pickpockets--that may be hanging around.

[mondiani]

Here in europe they deny to me to bring it with me. It has travelled with luggages

[michaelging]

I have flown a half dozen times,since 9/11 with my tripod,both as checked and hand carried ,without any problems. That is a ever changing thing though.To be safe you might want to check it.

[jp_and_ap_the_glass_eye]

Hello I often travel carring a camera backpack with a tripod attached. I also have my film hand checked. So far no problems. I?ve found being polite, prepared, cooperative and patient seems to work. Allow yourself plenty of time.

[james_ogara1]

I have never had a problem.

[richard_cochran]

The official TSA list is <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Prohibited_English_4-1-2005_v2.pdf">here</a>.

<p>

It says camera equipment is permitted.

<p>

It says tools, billy clubs, night sticks, baseball bats, and pool cues

are prohibited. I've got a Gitzo tripod that I'd love to

have if I ever find myself in a battle against an evildoer

armed with a pool cue.

<p>

It also says <cite>The prohibited and permitted items chart is not intended to be all-inclusive and is updated as

necessary. To ensure everyone's security, the screener may determine that an item not on the

prohibited items chart is prohibited. In addition, the screener may also determine that an

item on the permitted chart is dangerous and therefore may not be brought through the

security checkpoint.</cite>

<p>

In other words, it sounds like the

final decision is up to the screener, and nobody is going to be

able to give you a 100% guarantee you can bring it aboard except

the screener on duty that day. Tripods vary in their size and

mass, and therefore in their potential use as a weapon.

If the screener on duty that day notices that your tripod

appears to be potentially more dangerous than a pool cue,

who knows?

[carlo_cayetano1]

On an archived post, someone said that their nice Gitzo had been taken apart while it was in checked luggage. I'd hate to see what they do to a carbon fiber tripod as they scratch their heads trying to figure out what it is...

[david_henderson]

The important point here is the one Richard Cochrane makes. Nobody here can guarantee the behaviour of an individual security screener. So if you turn up to an airport without the ability to check your tripod you could have a problem which you may only be able to resolve by refusing to fly or checking the tripod inadequately protected. If you turn up able to check your tripod then you won't.

[james_ogara1]

Nobody has indicated the slightest problem with getting a tripod about an airplane. Yet there are dark worries about mercurial checkers.

 

Whence the hysteria?

[hendrik]

Check it in with the rest of your luggage.

 

You can't use one in the cabin in any case ;-)

 

I travel often, and I always check it in.

 

Never had any problems.

 

Regards.

[louie]

I recently took my tripod with me on a flight on Southwest Airlines from OAK to LAS. My

tripod is a Gitzo 1227. I

stopped by the screeners before checking any baggage, and asked them if it was o.k. They

said it was fine, so I carried it on. I didn't bother asking on the trip back from Las Vegas,

and they never said a thing.

 

It only takes a few minutes to ask on the TSA people if it's o.k. before checking your bags.

If they say it's fine, then go for it. If not, then dump it in checked baggage and don't worry

about it.

[frank_dzambic]

"Yet there are dark worries about mercurial checkers.

Whence the hysteria?"

 

Here you go James. Hence the hysteria. You'd better believe you're completely at the mercy of the airport goons when you travel.

 

http://www.aim.org/aim_report_print/2483_0_4_0/

 

http://www.london-daily.co.uk/art/abude.htm

 

http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig3/monahan1.html

 

http://www.antiwar.com/paul/?articleid=4079

 

http://www.infowars.com/articles/bb/feel_ups.htm

 

http://www.stereoboard.com/artistnews/news-943.html

[the lone ranger]

I've flown many times since 9/11 and I've never had a problem with my little Gitzo in the backpack or carryon luggage. they always triple check and hand inspect my camera bag though.

[scott_lewis3]

I just flew from Germany to Turkey last month and I had to check my small travel-pod in, I wasn?t allowed to take it on the plane in my camera bag.

[aaron l]

Flying around the US, I've taken my Bogen 3021/3011 and Kirk BH-3 ballhead without trouble. When walking in, don't ask anyone if it's okay. Once you've asked permission, you've made it easy for them to deny you. I've just walked up, tossed it on the x-ray machine and kept walking. It fits in the overhead and haven't been called on it. YET. I fully expected trouble but nothing so far. If you have a connecting flight, you can use that as a good excuse because you'll "miss my flight, get lost, etc". Not advocating being a bad guy, just allowing myself an out.

A 4-section tripod should be no prob. Take the head off, put it in your backpack and you should be fine.