wotsmith Loc: Nashville TN

Pack it in your checked bags. On a big photoshoot, I carry 3 tripod, all go in a large suitcase. I have to take off the wimberly head off the big one to get it to fit.
Bill

DebraLee Loc: Southern Oregon

I normally fly United and only take carry-on unless traveling overseas. I have always taken my tripod in my carry-on, with the head off, and have had no issues at all. However my husband had his nail clippers taken once....

robbiedoug Loc: Cuero, Texas

I would not check your tripod, as things like that have a way of being "lost", by the baggage handlers, even in locked baggage. I agree with the others - find a way to disassemble it so you can carry it inside the airplane.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Duplicate, Sorry!

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

I bought a tripod that fits in my carry-on bag as well as a pair of trekking poles that also fit in the bag. Problem solved!
BTW I thought that was one of Ron's least abrasive comments.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

People travel with "outsize baggage" all the time. Skis, golf clubs, usually as checked baggage. There is always a risk, but a tripod is unlikely to be stolen in comparison to other photographic equipment. I've carried a Joby gorilla pod focus with ballhead on international travel inside my travelpro rollaboard without incident, but it is not always simple. I did have a problem with collapsible ski poles once and had to check them which took time.

At the end of the day, airport security and the individual agents call the shots when checking in, and aircrew call the shots on the plane. It gets even more complicated when multiple airlines are involved and remember that TSA rules are domestic only, international rules can vary. It gets complicated when you get a problem with carry on luggage mid journey as a result of different rules and regulations or even the attitude of an individual person. Checked baggage is generally good for "outsize items", and if it is an expensive tripod, insure it. The hassle at the gate or when changing planes is seldom worth it, and you may be told "check it, or don't fly".

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

How long is the tripod when folded? If is as small as mine it shouldn't be a problem. I carry my camera bag and tripod (in a bag) and never any problems.

Redrocks Loc: New Castle Indiana

I have as recently as last week carried a tripod in my carry-on luggage. I have a small carbon fiber tripod that may be 18" long or so, but as long as it fits in approved carry-on luggage, you won't have a problem. If your tripod is larger than the carry-on limit, you may have to check it.

rbfanman

Each airline makes it's own rules about tripods. Some allow it in carry on, and some do not. Ask the lines you will be flying. Check the airports, too.

GEANNIE

I have packed my tripod in my checked luggage but I have also taken it as part of my carry on (attached to my backpack). Never had an issue with either.

Ted Evans Loc: Jasper, AL

I just returned from a two week trip to the
Canadian Rockies. I checked my tripod as
luggage (for $35.00 Delta). I had bought
a tripod cover/case from B & H earlier for
this purpose. On the trip there all our
luggage was delayed by one day. On our
return only the tripod was delayed one day
because at Vancouver it was checked in
with other "special equipment". This special
classification was not done in Birmingham
in check in. The tripod fared well as a
check in. Took photo equip as carry on.
Ted Evans

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Such are the delights of modern air travel. You are not alone. Unfortunately this is now the world we live in and we have to adapt to it.

Abo

If it can fit in your carry on luggage they will take it;
if it won't, but will fit in an overhead locker they may
take it if they are in a good mood.

You should pay strict attention to wrongnongos posts.
He is an excellent source of information, just so long
as you know how to interpret his posts. All you
need to know to do that, is simply believe the exact
opposite of what he says, and you can't go wrong...
hence his name; "Wrong Nong Oh". lol

ralfstinson Loc: SF Bay Area

I have had trekking poles (pointed end) required to be in baggage, and large tripods carry-on ignored. Travel agents may give good advice, but the TSA web site is the law for dangerous items. Of course, individual TSA agents may make their own interpretations. Then when you get past security, you have to pass the ticket checker at the gate and they look at the ability to put into overhead bins or aircraft safe storage. I have traveled with my parachutes (both carry-on and checked), and I always have with me the TSA policy for Parachutes (several copies on paper) and politely show it to the TSA agent, and tell them they are welcome to keep the copy! That solves most problems. So print out any TSA document you think applies to your case and have it politely ready. Also, check what you can to minimize carry-on, and you can point that out the the gate agent. Think about the gate agent with an overbooked flight and a passenger who has too much carry-on, plus a tripod! Also, have good tags/labels on your gear! That significantly increases the chances of getting it returned to you. Also have a list of your serial numbers. Be careful about anecdotal stores, like my first sentence! People love to give advice based on a single event! Also give yourself plenty of time for problems at the airport!

Abo

I like the idea of a "carry on" parachute.

Also there's nothing like watching
"Air Crash Investigations"
for in flight entertainment.