home brewer Loc: Fort Wayne, Indiana

I have carried a backpack with my promaster carbon fiber tripod, my laptop, ipad, change of clothes and the cables every year for the last five years to Europe without an issue. The tripod will collapse to 17" long and a triangle that is 4.25" tall. Most of the time the backpack would fit under the seat ahead of me; but I put it in the overhead and my camera bag at my feet.
Who knows what TSA will do next week.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I put mine in my suitcase in checked baggage.

Dan De Lion Loc: Montana

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In my experience, Vancouver has the strictest baggage enforcement of any airport in the world. That may be a good or a bad thing but it means, check with them specifically. For that, and other reasons, I try to avoid the Vancouver airport.

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wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

I have carried my tripod both ways and have never had a problem. I have strapped it to my camera bag and I have put it in my suitcase. The only real difference is it really is easier with the tripod in the suitcase.

Hip Coyote

I check tripods and hiking poles with no problems at all. I also, on occassion, carry a travel tripod in my "carry-on" luggage on planes. On occasion, they TSA folks want to look at it. Not a big deal.

Walt B

I always carry a Carbon Fiber Tripod in my carry on roll aboard. Several years ago, I had an aluminum tripod stolen from a checked bag on a flight to Hawaii. We seldom check a bag but if we do, all camera equipment is in carry on. My wife and I each have a 20" Roll aboard and a bag that slides on the handle and can be placed under the seat. In that bag, I carry 2 full frame cameras with lenses attached and a laptop. The tripod and any extra lenses are in the roll aboard.

We travel to Washington DC extensively and have been all over Europe. We never had a problem with the tripod. We were in Israel last year and didn't have a problem there and there security is tighter than even the U.S.

I use a Vanguard VEO 265CB Tripod/Ballhead which folds down to 15"

Hope this is helpful!

Walt B

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

15 " might be the magic number. I traveled last year with an 18" and was told it was too long for carry-on and had to check it.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

If your tripod has sharp metal spikes on the bottom of its feet (as many tripods do), this could possibly be a problem as a carry on. One can never be too sure what the inspection agent will consider as a potential weapon and not allow to be taken on board. My tripod always goes into check in luggage.