Travelling overseas with a tripod…

[iluxa]

How are you packing a tripod if you are travelling overseas? Do you put it in checked baggage or take it with your as carry-on baggage?
My tripod is relatively heavy and big (Manfrotto 055B + 141RC) and for some reasons I do not want to put it in the checked baggage, so I’m worrying a little bit about new airline regulations. A few years ago everything was so easy…
What is your recent experience?

[wendellt]

you have to pack it in your check in luggage

they alllow tripods in the cabin as they can be used as a weapon

[methd]

i travel regularly and bring it in cabin with me, no dramas.

[gstark]

Why do you need it in the cabin?

I pack my 'pod into my checked luggage, and it gives me a couple of extra kilos for valuable stuff.

[Laurie]

they alllow tripods in the cabin as they can be used as a weapon

Best typo ever.
sorry hehe

[Kris]

hehe! I packed mine in checked luggage but I've only used it like twice. Next trip ill not bother with a tripod!

[wendellt]

yikes i mean't they don't allow tripods as carry on luggage from my experience
darn i must be dyslexic sometimes

[Reschsmooth]

I also don't see why you would want to take into the cabin with you. Whe I have travelled (domestic & international) with a 'pod, I check it in. Too much effort trying to stow the 'pod in the cabin.

[PiroStitch]

Tripod I checked in. Then again I have a cheapo Manfrotto tripod, not a schmicko Gitzo fangled pod

Monopod I've just attached it to my camera bag and taken it onto the cabin with no issues. They do take a second look at the rocket blower though

[photograham]

My tripod is always packed in the suitcase. My Manfrotto 055 stays at home and my Slik Pro gets packed as it is around 2kg lighter, but still sturdy enough for the D2X. Cabin luggage is normally a lowepro backpack with most of my required gear together with a separate lap top.
I wear the back pack as it around 12kg, normally too heavy for carry on, but as it is worn, it has never been queried. I have several times seen people queried about their carry on luggage, and this can depend on which airport and which airline. Main thing is not to draw attention to yourself.

[iluxa]

Why do you need it in the cabin?

I pack my 'pod into my checked luggage, and it gives me a couple of extra kilos for valuable stuff.

I don't need it in the cabin. And truly speaking I hate it in the cabin - as it's big and heavy. I just do not want to put it in check-in baggage this time simply because we have full one day stop-over and we will not get our check-in baggage at that time and I want to shoot during this stop-over. However after what you’ve said I'm thinking to pack everything in check-in baggage. Probably it would be better. May be I will detach the head and put it separately just for better packing. (need to practice in handheld shooting at long shutter speeds. at least for one day… )
Guys, thanks for your help!

[ozimax]

yikes i mean't they don't allow tripods as carry on luggage from my experience
darn i must be dyslexic sometimes

Haven't they cure a found dyslexia for?

[adamj123]

best would be to call the travel agent or the airline themselves to see what the policies are

[photograham]

I am also going to purchase a Joby Gorilla pod for DSLR - around $85 - a supports 3kg - to go into the camera bag. There were many times whilst travelling recently where I could not carry main tripod, but the DSLR gorillapod would have done me. (D2X + 17-55 = 2.5kg)

[Killakoala]

I would encourage you not to take the 055 as it is very heavy. A cheaper, smaller and much lighter tripod might be a better alternative. The gorilla pod is a good idea and will fit easily in your camera bag.

[gstark]

I am also going to purchase a Joby Gorilla pod for DSLR - around $85 - a supports 3kg - to go into the camera bag. There were many times whilst travelling recently where I could not carry main tripod, but the DSLR gorillapod would have done me. (D2X + 17-55 = 2.5kg)

$85 ???


I'd suggest a Manfrotto superclamp. The gorillapods are a bad joke, I'm afraid. I wouldn't even trust them with a Sony PHD, let alone a real camera.

[Mr Darcy]

I see you have the answer anyway, but here is a link to the US security site with lists of prohibited items for checked, carry on luggage
It may help for other items

Most other countries seem to follow the TSA rules
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm

Incidentally, I went over to Boston with my small tripod ( not my mini one), but came back with two as I bought a Gitzo while there. Both were in checked luggage with no problems

You may also consider seeing if you can get access to your checked luggage at your stopover. Sometimes they allow it. Sometimes they even insist on it. Only issue is that you will need to check it again when you move on.

[team piggy]

Old thread, But Qantas allow tripods on as carry on.

I have a one dayer to do on Saturday for a forum event and have rang qantas and they confirmed it was Ok.
I also rang the security supervisor at the security screening point and he was OK if qantas were OK with it.
I then took the further step of checking today when taking a flight elsewhere and qantas have given me a clearance letter and phone numbers of the duty officers who will be on that day if I encounter any issues.

Overall, Its OK! and thumbs up qantas for the effort in approval!