How do you fly with your tripod?

robert blu

robert blu

quiet photographer
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There are always more restrictions about cabin luggage and I'm and I'm trying to understand which is to best way to fly when you have a tripod with you. Many low prices companies allows only one piece of luggage in cabin and this is of course the bag with cameras, lenses, films etc or cards, computers etc. Is it advisable to check the tripod alone as separate piece of luggage? Or should I try to put it inside my main coffer? Or maybe on request can I bring it in the cabin? Any experience or suggestions?
robert
PS: I'm meanwhile checking the various airline companies but answer are not always clear...
 
When I traveled for photography, I packed my tripod into a bag that I would check at the airport. I've brought it along for both domestic and international trips. The bag I used was sized so as I placed the tripod cross ways and needed to fold the head sideways to fit into the bag with my clothes. Snug as a bug! The tripod was always the first item to see in case anyone wanted to look at it and I would always inform the security people of having the tripod in the bag. Didn't have any trouble. I believe in communicating with the security folks goes a long way to getting the task accomplished.

Hope this helps you.
 
I always put it in my main suitcase.

I've never found it necessary to use it in transit.
Nowadays I fly light.

Perhaps just a smartphone for some snaps of the family.
All my photogear goes in the coffer.
 
Depending on how big it is I've been able to take it as a carry on. You can call the airline ahead of time and ask what there policies are.
 
The problem here is more about the security (police) who can forbid any "dangerous" item on the plane: a friend of mine had problem in his cabin luggage because of the small Manfrotto table tripod. Thanks for the suggestions
robert
PS: it's a complicated world...
 
I flew with my tripod once - to new Zealand (lot of stops) and I carried the tripod (minus the leg spikes and ball-head which is tough enough to be carried in the check-in luggage) and whole 4x5 setup in my carry-on. I had no issue.

Of course - when I was buying the tripod I got one that fits the carry-on size (length) limits.

During inspections most attention was drawn by the Rolleiflex as it is a metal box and one security guy was curios about the Tachihara 4x5. The tripod (mostly carbon fiber) got no attention at all.
 
Between my legs - better than a broom on Halloween🙂 But always in my checked luggage as I am already lugging all of my camera gear and film onto the plane. If somebody steals the tripod it's not the end of the world. BTW prepare to have your bag inspected. Each time I have put a tripod into checked luggage, I have found a note from TSA saying that they went through the bag to make sure that it was OK.
 
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