Monopods and carry-on luggage. Verboten or not? Traveling light this weekend domestically and would like to pack a monopod. Anybody have any problems with the TSA mistaking one for a...

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Traveling light this weekend domestically and would like to pack a monopod. Anybody have any problems with the TSA mistaking one for a billy club or other form of weapon? I have read where a rocket blaster sensor cleaner got confiscated (probably because it was a rocket...) Any thoughts?

sealeah

I took one on a when I flow to new mexico this summer. I had no problems at all. I had it in my carry on.
good luck

wings42 Loc: San Diego, CA

Mr PC wrote:

Traveling light this weekend domestically and would like to pack a monopod. Anybody have any problems with the TSA mistaking one for a billy club or other form of weapon? I have read where a rocket blaster sensor cleaner got confiscated (probably because it was a rocket...) Any thoughts?

Just don't sharpen the foot of the monopod into a spear point.

There is a bit of idiocy in the TSA rules. My wife took 8" aluminum knitting needles onto a flight after checking with the airline. On another flight, they confiscated my Swiss Army knife with a 2 1/2" blade. I think that anybody who flashed any weapon on a plane in a threatening manner would be instantly disarmed and rendered harmless by the other passengers, even at risk to themselves.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

wings42 wrote:

Just don't sharpen the foot of the monopod into a spear point.

Good advice!

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Just realized my tripod will barely fit in my carry-on, I'll expand the question to include those, too. What about it, brain trust?

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

This is all part of the reason that I quit traveling by air!
You can't be sure that ALL of the TSA agents at ALL of the airports interpret the "rules" the same!! What is 'officially' OK isn't what the individual agents say a lot of the time!! You may be OK in Atlanta one time and not in Houston, or vice versa!! What you are allowed on the trip out, might be forbidden on the return trip!

amehta Loc: Boston

Mr PC wrote:

Traveling light this weekend domestically and would like to pack a monopod. Anybody have any problems with the TSA mistaking one for a billy club or other form of weapon? I have read where a rocket blaster sensor cleaner got confiscated (probably because it was a rocket...) Any thoughts?

I've only been asked about a monopod once, the agent asked if it fit in my bag, and if I would leave it in the bag for the entire flight. I do make sure it's tucked into the bottom of the bag, so it seems like it's kind of secure.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I've packed my monopod before without any issues. My tripod is too big, so it needs to go in my checked bag.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Mr PC wrote:

Traveling light this weekend domestically and would like to pack a monopod. Anybody have any problems with the TSA mistaking one for a billy club or other form of weapon? I have read where a rocket blaster sensor cleaner got confiscated (probably because it was a rocket...) Any thoughts?

You gotta watch out for those monopods. TSA may think they are nuclear war-heads. Or maybe they hide dangerous liquids like shampoo. Don't let em do a strip search. you just might be hiding micro-film of state secrets. ( Does micro-film still exist ? )

amehta Loc: Boston

For all the snarkiness, a good monopod is a pretty good weapon, basically a billy club or nightstick. I have no doubt I could hurt somebody with it, especially if I practiced.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

amehta wrote:

For all the snarkiness, a good monopod is a pretty good weapon, basically a billy club or nightstick. I have no doubt I could hurt somebody with it, especially if I practiced.

Don't just practice... Take a martial arts course, maybe a monopod can become the next weapon of choice, replacing the venerable nunchuck! I can see a whole series of movies in the making, and it might have all started right here at the Hog...

amehta Loc: Boston

Mr PC wrote:

Don't just practice... Take a martial arts course, maybe a monopod can become the next weapon of choice, replacing the venerable nunchuck! I can see a whole series of movies in the making, and it might have all started right here at the Hog...

:lol:

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Mr PC wrote:

Just realized my tripod will barely fit in my carry-on, I'll expand the question to include those, too. What about it, brain trust?

I have travelled domestically extensively as far as Boston to Hawaii with a tripod strapped to a ThinkTank airport security bag, a roller board type that just fits in overhead. No issues. I pack the head in the bag.

amehta Loc: Boston

sbesaw wrote:

I have travelled domestically extensively as far as Boston to Hawaii with a tripod strapped to a ThinkTank airport security bag, a roller board type that just fits in overhead. No issues. I pack the head in the bag.

That's a good point. I put the head in a separate bin, usually with my clear ziploc liquids bag. The nobs on the head have confused the x-ray tech, and caused a delay. Ever since I pulled it out, there has been no problems with it.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I saw the Rocket Blower item about 20 minutes before I left for the airport with the blower in my carry on. Got a great chuckle on the 180 comments that had already been made as of 12/20. As a weekly traveler and one who checks bags, I've never thought to bring the monopod as checked lugguge. One because I don't have to and two because it's too important to have a problem at security ...