marko_kovacevic Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 I want to bring my Gitzo tripod onto the plane, with the feet removed. Would they allow that? The feet [they are spiked] will be in checked baggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddob Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 I always put mine in my checked suitcase(it`s heavy!), and it usually seems to get unwanted attention from security. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko_kovacevic Posted April 9, 2008 Author Share Posted April 9, 2008 How do you know it gets unwanted attention if it is checked? If I take off the head, wrap it in a shirt, and wrap the legs in clothing, should that be ok? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sattler123 Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 Marko, yes that will be fine. The reason David knows that his tripod got security's attantion is because the suitcase had been opened and a friendly note was placed in the suitcase from the security guys. Happens to me all the time as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko_kovacevic Posted April 9, 2008 Author Share Posted April 9, 2008 Thanks! I'll try that. I was just confused, as I have never flown with a tripod before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mendel_leisk Posted April 9, 2008 Share Posted April 9, 2008 I believe most airlines stipulate tripods have to be in checked baggage, likely due to regulations, due to it's potential as a weapon. Is there any reason you can't check the whole thing? Were you planning on a few time exposures or panoramas during the flight, LOL. If you're concerned about it getting lost, I think that might be the least of your hassles. Do carry on your camera(s) and lens, but check the tripod. Also, I don't see the point of wrapping it in clothing. If anything, that will *raise* suspicions. Just check with the airline, on the phone, and/or online. Here's an interesting page from tranport Canada: http://www.tc.gc.ca/aboutus/travel/Pack/menu.htm The "EXPLOSIVES AND IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES" section borders on Monty Python'ish with it's thoroughness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marko_kovacevic Posted April 9, 2008 Author Share Posted April 9, 2008 Why would it raise suspicions? I want to wrap it to protect it from baggage handlers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohir_ali Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 Leave it behind if you are that paranoid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Ingold Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 I generally remove the head, which goes in my carry-on baggage. I figure I can get a useable set of legs anywhere, but a good head takes time to replace. There is little danger to the legs in a suitcase with rigid sides, which includes most well-constructed "soft sided" bags (like mine). I might wrap it in plastic to keep my clothes clean. There might be danger when using a completely soft-sided bag or duffle. If so, wrapping it in clothing won't help a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w_t1 Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 I always put my tripod in the middle of my US Army duffle bag with clothing around it. I have a couple of newer gitzos but when I air travel again the older velbon will go as usual. I even checked a high powered carbine rifle in my duffel bag once, inside of a soft case. The Delta attendant gasped when I declared it, but I wasn't about to spend money on a fancy silver gun case that says "gun". When I land in Atlanta the duffel bags go to a separate area than the carousel with all the suitcases, and no one checks the bag vs. the claim ticket. In the old days, 1980's I flew on Alaska airlines a lot, and the stewardess would let me put tripod (the velbon with the sharp pointy legs) in a "closet" up front that some folks would hang suits on. Those days are long gone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edwin Barkdoll Posted April 10, 2008 Share Posted April 10, 2008 I fly back and forth between Bangor, ME, and Phila, PA, at least several times a year and out to WA State 2 years ago. Knock on wood, I have not had a problem with my Gitzo 1228 in my carry-on backpack. I have often wondered why no one at airline security has questioned this since with the Kirk ballhead it could be a club-like weapon. Tripods are not explicitly prohibited, yet: http://tinyurl.com/ptxdw Probably worth checking the TSA website above just before flight time. I would definitely put the spiked feet in the luggage, tho. Test Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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