re-orient the legs to form an airfoil while using the rock bag as a membrane stretched between the leg; the membrane can be attached to the legs with synthetic spider silk
I have a gitzo 1545T and have always carried it on the side of my camera backpack and taken as a carry on. There may be length restrictions elsewhere, but so far in the US I haven't had any problems with this relatively small tripod (just flew to Las Vegas this way last week).
According to the TSA website, photo tripods are permitted in carry ons (with the caveat that the final decision rests with the TSA officer present).
Tsmith318 wrote:
I have a gitzo 1545T and have always carried it on the side of my camera backpack and taken as a carry on. There may be length restrictions elsewhere, but so far in the US I haven't had any problems with this relatively small tripod (just flew to Las Vegas this way last week).
According to the TSA website, photo tripods are permitted in carry ons (with the caveat that the final decision rests with the TSA officer present).
between the 2 tripods I have traveled with for 10 years I have had only 1 event and that was resolved with relative ease. as I do also travel "light", my roller takes over the heavy lifting and gets thrown below with the offending item. to this day within the US, EU and Canadian space I have had no issues.
I've twice mailed pocket knives to myself (once from home airport and once SLC), and once ducked outside my home terminal to hide an expensive multi-tool in the crevice behind a gutter drain. I haven't yet had to mail myself a tripod. That would take a lot of stamps.
sjms wrote:
between the 2 tripods I have traveled with for 10 years I have had only 1 event and that was resolved with relative ease. as I do also travel "light", my roller takes over the heavy lifting and gets thrown below with the offending item. to this day within the US, EU and Canadian space I have had no issues.
Many SEA countries and New Zealand not only have a maximum size of tripod...but also a very strict and adhered to 7kg total carry on weight.
that is for carry on. been there done that. as I said it goes in my roller and gets thrown down below. believe me I've dealt with a number of airlines.
When I had my RRS tripod, I brought it with me with the carrying strap and just placed it in the overhead compartment (fortunately as AA card member, we're one of the first to board the plane). I never had any trouble with TSA, just a few odd looks from people though as I'm lugging the bag to/from our terminal. I once lost my RRS tripod on our way back from Hawaii as I left it on a bus on our way to pick up our car from long-term parking. Fortunately, I was able to get the company to send the tripod to my house (after I paid UPS shipping).
I have since sold my RRS for a lighter set-up. I have a Manfrotto tripod that fits neatly in my checked luggage. My Benro tripod I use the rest of the time or when traveling by car since it's far less compact.
elkhornsun wrote:
TSA could care less about your carry-on baggage with regard to a tripod. What works for me 99% of the time is to have the tripod strapped to the side of my 32L size backpack which is in turn strapped to a collapsible luggage cart (Samsonite $25).
When I am getting ready to go through the gate and board the plane I will unstrap the tripod and carry it in one hand. Once I get to my seat I take my large backpack and place it in the overhead bin. Then I insert the tripod so it is perpendicular to the aisle and takes up less that 4" of bin space and put my coat on top of it. My small "personal item" 18L backpack goes under the seat in front of me.
If the tripod is less than 22 inches in length it will easily fit inside the overhead bin with the head removed. I put the head in my large backpack so I am guaranteed that I will have the head and the legs when I reach my final destination. On the return trip I may put the tripod and head in my checked case as if it is stolen by the TSA people or the baggage handlers it will not impact my trip.
I make it a point to be inconspicuous going onto the plane and making my way down the aisle. To that end I have the 18L backpack on my back and the tripod in one hand and I am carrying the larger backpack by its top handle (Bataflae 32L or 26L) so I am not hitting the seats or the other passengers as I make my way down the aisle. ...Show more →
Not all TSA agents are made alike. Try going through Taipei security with your 22" tripod and you'll be in for a rude surprise.
I travel a lot and fly around the world. I always check it in. I have enough crap to bring on carry on. Its a solid piece and does not need to be in the cabin.. Not like you will use it. I usually have it inside my pack or strapped to the side. If I take a suitcase then it usually lies diagonal in the suitcase.
chez wrote:
So what would you do if the TSA agent decides your tripod is not going to be carried on?
No problems so far flying within the US *Knock on wood,* but my tentative plans have been to try the following if it were an issue:
1) Mail it to myself (several airports now have an automated post office in the airport)
2) Toss it in my car (obviously only works if I'm parked at that airport)
3) Try to check it and put it down below
sjms wrote:
I was unaware that the TSA operated outside of the US borders at foreign airports
Don't know what the equivalent 3 letter acronym is all over the world...but their function is the same and rules as to what is allowed onto planes varies greatly. Just doing a heads up as to when leaving the confines of the USA...you must adhere to other country's rules.
For traveling I have a 20 year old Gitzo Reporter Performance tripod with a Manfrotto 308RC ball head that has a wimberly plate attached to it. It measures 20" fully collapsed and fits right into my check in roller case that has my clothes in it.
I never check a tripod on the outbound section of a trip. I have my backpack on a small collapsible roller cart and the tripod legs strapped to the side of the backpack. When boarding the plane I unstrap the tripod legs and carry it onto the plane in my hand. My small backpack that qualifies as a personal item and goes under the seat in front of me is on my back and I carry in one hand my main backpack (and my Gura Gear bags all have side handles so the straps are stowed away.
I make sure that the tripod legs we use will collapse to 21 inches or less. That way the slide into the overhead bin and take up less than 4 inches of bin space. My wife and I put our jackets on top of the first tripod and then put the second tripod on top of our jackets.
TSA could care less about a tripod unless it has spiked feet. The ticket agents don't care about a tripod anymore than any other personal item (instrument, umbrella, cane, etc.). When boarding I am organized with my gear so I can quickly get to me seat and have the gear stowed away and not impede other passengers.
I have frequent flyer status on a number of carriers and for those where I do not, I pay the extra for a premium economy seat which buys me both a better seat and I get to pre-board before the other economy or coach class passengers which helps with hauling photo gear onto a plane.
