Flying with tripod

[MisterCat]

I always carry my DVX on planes with me using a pelican case. My tripod typically is checked at the gate, never checked through baggage because I just have it in the zippered Manfrotto bag that came with it. Last week, however, the airline still managed to tear the zipper on the bag (tripod is fine), rendering the bag now useless. So my question is...what do you guys do for carrying tripods on planes? I'd like to stay light, rather than having to lug a road case around, but is that just a pipe dream? Any other general tips for flying with equipment?

thx
Steven

 

[pixelated]

The plastic screw end fishing rod cases just never seem to be the right size. One that I've seen and admired was a custom made steel case fabricated from thinwall tubing with a simple latch cap and a nylon strap riveted along it's length.

Owner stated he had it made at a local muffler shop for under $50. Just a thought.

 

[BrianMurphy]

I use a portabrace tripod case. I used to use a pelican one on my other sticks. It depends on the size of the tripod. I am now travelling with a lightweight sachtler with a dv4 head, it still comes up as "oversize" on almost every airline I fly. When I am doing long trips I put the portabrace in a "Tomato" hard golf club bag /airline safe case along with my boom pole and a few stands. They think it is my golf clubs and usually handle it well. My buddy has been travelling for a couple years with his tripod in a "sonotube" the type of heavy cardboard tube used to form cement pillars. He cut a wood round for the bottom and top,put some screws through the side into the bottom to hold it and a couple that come out easy on the top and he has some foam he tossed in the ends to keep it steady. He has been arcross Canada and to Europe with his Manfrotto with a 501 head and never had any damage. I might add he has covered the outside in a variety of colours of gaffer tape.