Tripod for travel

[stevevihon]

Hi everyone -- wondering if there are folks who have traveled to and from Europe and have successfully carried their tripod as part of carry on. I am looking to purchase a new tripod (possibly a Gitzo) and am trying to figure out what tripod model or length would work to carry the tripod on versus checking it. Thanks in advance.

[Fen]

If going by plane, I tend to put the tripod in my suitcase.

[GeoffR]

This has been discussed before. Whilst several people had no problems with tripods in hand luggage I would still advise that, for your own comfort you pack it in your checked baggage. Just because security will let you have it in the cabin going out of the UK there is on reason to believe that security at the other end will be as accommodating.

[chr1s]

i was wondering this the other day, as i want to take my tripod with me when i go to the alps later in the year. i think mine will be going in my check in luggage, with all my clothes padded around it.

[nspur]

If going by plane, I tend to put the tripod in my suitcase.

The last time I did that (with a carbon fibre tripod) the baggage inspector at Bergerac airport decided it was some sort of weapon and made a fuss. These days I usually take a TrekPod Pro that's a monopod with little tripod legs and a good ball head. It has its own bag and most airlines don't mind it as supplementary carry-on baggage.

[GeoffR]

Can we get this clear? What your airline does is to set a policy on hand baggage, basically the number of pieces and size, within the constraints of legislation.

Before you can take anything on to an aircraft you have to pass through airport security. The only say the airline have in what goes through security is the number of pieces of baggage per passenger.

It matters not whether the airline is happy to accept your monopod, tripod etc. what matters is whether the individual security guard will allow it through. Once through security there is no automatic right to take your item on-board the aircraft, the airline can still insist that it goes in the hold. Given that you have to interact with a minimum of two security guards, with different ideas of what is OK and what is not, on a round trip the best advice remains to pack your tripod in your hold luggage. Yes, occasionally there may be a problem even then but such problems are far less likely than if you carry your tripod with you as cabin baggage.

If you are prepared to have your expensive tripod placed, unprotected, in an aircraft baggage hold be my guest. Personally, I have seen what happens to aircraft holds which are tougher than tripods. When I carry one abroad it gets packed and checked-in.

In summary.
Just because it got through security doesn't mean it can go in the cabin.
Even if the airline says it is OK in the cabin security may not let it through.
Even if the airline and security let it out of the UK as cabin baggage doesn't mean security at the other end will let it back that way.

Airlines cannot tell security what to accept.
Security cannot make airlines accept items even if they are legally compliant.

Be sensible, do not look for conflict with security or the airline unless you are determined to stay at home.

[PeteRob]

agree with Geoff (though your chances might increase if you travel business class). I was waiting by lost luggage in Dulles airport on Sunday 28th and the dinkiest kiddies umbrella was brought through in a plastic bag - clearly conviscated - sent in hold and committed to the mercy of the baggage handlers. It looked ok though!

[stevevihon]

Thanks everyone for their thoughts on this matter. For those who live in or travel to or from the US, here is the response from the TSA on the matter:

"Please understand that regardless of whether an item is on the prohibited or permitted items list, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) have both discretion and authority to prevent an item from being carried through the screening checkpoint if they believe the item poses a security threat. TSOs are trained to determine if an otherwise permitted item presents a security threat and should not be allowed to pass through a screening checkpoint.

If the TSO does not allow you to carry an item through the checkpoint, you will have the option to consult with the airlines for assistance in placing the prohibited item in checked baggage. You will also be allowed to make other arrangements for the item, such as taking it to your car, mailing it, or leaving it with someone who is not traveling. It is important to clarify that there are no provisions to return prohibited items when passengers choose to leave them at the security checkpoint.

We hope this information is helpful."

So, to build on what Geoff wrote: there is no official policy for or against taking a tripod on as carry on. Each screener decides. Not sure how safe checked luggage is in the UK, but we also run a risk here in the US of someone deciding to helping themselves to what is in the luggage.