Airlines / TSA > Tripod Carry On

DCERVENKA

DCERVENKA

Well-known member
It seems like the TSA rules are changing everyday and I know I used to be able to carry on my tripod without any issue.. I'm curious what your latest experience has been with TSA and carrying on a tripod?

I have a Bogen 190CX3 with a 501 head that I can put in my checked bag (with a TSA lock), but I would rather minimize the risk of it disappearing somewhere along the way...
 
i think i have the same tripod as you.

according to united(who i usually fly) carry on baggage must not be more than 9x14x22 or 45 linear inches(l+w+h). i'm in my office right now and my tripod is in my car and i don't have a tape measure so if you feel like checking the math please do.

i've usually checked my tripod in my bag, which adds more weight so i have to juggle between bags to keep it under 50.
 
The Bogen / Manfrotto 190CX3 Carbon Fiber is only 21.7" long (add another 5" or so for the 501 head)

I found this but there is no "definition" of what constitutes photog equipment, so I'm thinking I'm OK..? http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1248.shtm


Photographic Equipment & Film

Transporting Film and Photographic Equipment
Photographic Equipment

You may carry one (1) bag of photographic equipment in addition to one (1) carry-on and one (1) personal item through the screening checkpoint. The additional bag must conform to your air carrier's carry-on restrictions for size and weight. Please confirm your air carrier's restrictions prior to arriving at the airport.
Air carriers may or may not allow the additional carry-on item on their aircraft. Please check with your air carrier prior to arriving at the airport.
Our screening equipment will not affect digital cameras and electronic image storage cards.
 
so it sounds like you can technically have 3 carry on items if one bag is "photographic equipment", pending your airline. but with today's costs of additional baggage going up, i can see most not allowing it.

i'm flying to mineapolis in two weeks so i'm gonna try and carry on my tripod + kata 207(my usual carry on) and see how it goes. i'll report back my experience.
 
I fly Southwest quite a bit and have always carried on my tripod in its bag and camera (in a Pelican case), and sometimes a laptop in a backpack as well. They've never even looked twice as I got on the plane with all that.
 
Thanks MisterCat! that's definitely good to know. I don't have a bag for my tripod as I usually just strap it to my back pack. I wonder if that will make any difference?

manglerBMX - Any positive news to report back from your travels? ;-)
 
In light of the recent TSA security increases, I would like to touch on this subject again.
I have a Manfrotto 701 head and 190xb legs. I am flying from CA to WA tomorrow and would prefer to avoid checking any luggage. Should I even risk trying to carry on the tripod?
Anyone with recent experience or words of wisdom would be appreciated!
Thanks!
 
Personally I find it too much of a pain in the you know what to carry a tripod through an airport and than debate with the flight attendants about where to store it on the plane. Put the the tripod in a hard shipping case and check it.

Jim
 
totally forgot to respond to this. took my tripod on fine. it did add some extra body weight to myself jumping through 3 airports. but worked out fine.

one thing that makes storing tripods easy as that most of the over head compartments are kind of triangular in shape. big opening in front and in the back in narrows down. so with most luggage being square it leaves a nice little pocket open in the back, for which a tripod fits in perfect.

the thing that sucks about checking it, as that it adds another $50 to your trip. and most of the productions i'm flying for, which are very low, that can really take a toll on the budget.
 
Did you carry it in some kind of case or just by itself? Also, did you carry it with the head on? Thanks! -JP
 
I didn't want to risk anything, so I put the tripod in a larger suitcase and checked the bag. Although in hind site, I would have tried to carry it on, mainly because I am super light packer, and I hate the cost and hassle of checking baggage. I saw a guy at the baggage claim with a similar tripod (20 inch manfrotto sticks with a ball head) and he appeared to have carried it on.
 
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