Traveling with a Tripod

I am going on a photo trip in the near future. I have always packed my tripod in my suitcase which takes up a lot of space and adds a lot of weight. What do others do with their tripod when they fly?

Brian Wolf

Same thing - pack it in a suitcase.

I remove the head and place both in a suit case. Some TSA people think tripods can be used as a club and will hesitate to let you on a plane with one.

Thanks for the feedback. I figured they wouldn't let us carry them on, but wasn't sure if people were packing them seperately or doing as I was. Don't really want to pay extra for it. Thanks again for the input.

Brian

I travel quite often on planes with my tripod. My husband made a "case" for my tripod out of large PVC pipe with two end caps. He put a handle on it and it is perfect for travel. It also has the capability of putting a lock on the handle so nobody can open it. I just check it with my luggage. So far I haven't had a problem with it.

Before I had my case, I did carry it on several times. I typically fly Southwest, and they were always really good about it.

You might try calling the airline you will be traveling with. I carried my tripod attached to my carry-on backpack until recently and never had a problem. Then on a Tam Airlines flight to Brazil, I was told it could be considered a weapon and I had to check it at the last minute which was very nerve wracking. I lost my spot in line and had to run over, get it tape wrapped for protection and get back in line to check it as a loose piece of baggage. I wasn't charged extra, but felt nervous it wasn't going to end up at my destination. Since then, I call the airline. I've been told by multiple airlines since that it's OK to carry on, but if I can't get a definite answer, I'll check it to be safe. The problem is that checking isn't always foolproof and you could end up tripodless if they misplace your luggage. One extra phone call to the airline confirming you can carry it on is well worth the extra time.

I've never been refused carrying my tripod on a plane. I even carried two attached to my camera pack to and from Atlanta back in '03. Canada, U.S., Europe; pre9/11, post 9/11. Not saying it can't happen, hasn't happened to others or won't happen to me in the future but it hasn't happened to me yet and I know many other photographers who carry their tripods on as well.

Even if the airline says it's fine - Michael's idea is a very good one - you may still get a security moron who won't let it go.

I too attach mine to my camera backpack and have had no problems from domestic or international airlines. However, Michael Anderson's experience has me thinking about a plan B

Depends on the size of the tripod. It also might depend on if you are using an alum or carbon fiber tripod too.

I have a largish Gitzo 1325 CF tripod that always goes in checked luggage. It always gets there, although 2 outta 3 trips it has a TSA inspection flyer in it when I get there.

I also have a Feisol 3401, which is also carbon fiber and fairly compacts. Sans ballhead it fits in a standard rolling wheel carry on and I do carry it on. Never a problem.

On a related note I often travel with my 4x5 Arca Swiss large format camera and it is always a carry on. It is a mostly metal camera and I have had them look at it a few times but it always gets on the plane. If I have it, that goes in a LP Photo Trekker and the Gitzo goes in the checked luggage.

My experience with TSA has been pretty good. Film was always the dicey part but I usually try to ship it ahead for hold at a FedEx facility.

Be there early and be friendly-you should be fine.