Traveling with tripod
Mar 1, 2017 09:46:56 #
Veccia Capra
Loc: Alabama
If flying with the tripod is a problem, it is usually pretty easy to ship products ahead of time if you know where you will be staying and make arrangements before you ship the items. I have shipped bicycles, luggage and other items via UPS to hotels and friends houses to pick up when I arrive and then ship it back home with a hold at UPS notice so that the product is not left on an unattended front step. Might not be cheaper for a small tripod, but you will be able to pack it securely without worrying about theft or a TSA guy unpacking it and then not packing it correctly resulting in damage. I am also one who believes in flying light, the less stuff to wrestle through an airport the better.
Mar 1, 2017 10:16:41 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
WesIam wrote:
I am flying to Arizona in April,would like to know if there are any restrictions for carrying a tripod.I have one that folds to 18 inches.I also have a camera bag with wheels, there is a place to attach tripod to the side of it.
I pack mine in my large suitcase. No problems.
Mar 1, 2017 10:16:58 #
Veccia Capra wrote:
If flying with the tripod is a problem, it is usua... (show quote)
I have also rented a tripod when weight might be a factor. They are usually reasonable in cost to rent.
Mar 1, 2017 10:29:07 #
Mar 1, 2017 11:21:51 #
My tripod attaches to the side of my backpack and goes in the overhead storage area. I have been traveling with it like that for years and have never had a problem.
Mar 1, 2017 12:10:33 #
When I was an assistant to an architectural Photographer, we carried a large Gitzo tripod in a tube shaped case made for light stands. Flew all over North America without a problem.
Mar 1, 2017 12:18:30 #
WesIam wrote:
I am flying to Arizona in April,would like to know if there are any restrictions for carrying a tripod.I have one that folds to 18 inches.I also have a camera bag with wheels, there is a place to attach tripod to the side of it.
Shooting wildlife in the field, I have a fair amount of items. One is a large tripod. I send it through with the check-in baggage. The tripod you mention seems to be a small to moderate size. Just place it into the center of your clothing in the check-in.
When I am bringing my laser triggering, tripods, electronic flashes, etc., I have an additional check-in bag/case. It is usually 25 dollars more for the extra bag. This amounts to nothing in today's world. If you are going on a holiday by plane, you are already looking at many extras as in hotels fees and surcharges, etc.
Just throw the tripod in with the clothing in the check-in. No worries or hassles. I carry all camera bodies and lenses with me on the plane though. If you are traveling with family, each member is allowed the carry-on. I will have the camera on the harness and that leaves more room in the bag.
Good luck.
Mar 1, 2017 12:22:25 #
GEANNIE wrote:
My tripod attaches to the side of my backpack and goes in the overhead storage area. I have been traveling with it like that for years and have never had a problem.
The only issues with that approach may be boarding order and small regional jets. That can force things to be gate checked, and then it is possible for damage or theft to occur. Inside a bag, or ensuring that all of your equipment will be allowed as carry on, under seat or fit in small overhead locker size. A modular approach and knowing the aircraft you are flying on is useful, and even then things can change. It can also be important to know that rules and regulations vary by country if traveling internationally.
Mar 1, 2017 15:41:52 #
I agree. Delta even tells you they are not responsible for cameras that go missing from checked luggage. I found out the hard way. Luckily it was not an expensive camera, but I hated to lose the photos.
Mar 1, 2017 15:46:12 #
I travel somewhat frequently by air and pack mine in checked luggage. It is a lot larger than the 18-inch one you're talking about. I never have a problem and I have gone to a number of different countries, as well as through the United States.
Mar 1, 2017 20:06:49 #
I put my travel size tripod in my checked bag. I have a small cable lock that I loop through the bags collapsible handle and lock it around my tripod. Haven't had any issues yet even in Denver which I've heard some describe as the pickiest spot. (can't say myself).
My carbon fiber monopod is adorned with a cane handle and it becomes my personal assistive device which is allowed under FAA regs. No issues yet.
My carbon fiber monopod is adorned with a cane handle and it becomes my personal assistive device which is allowed under FAA regs. No issues yet.
Mar 5, 2017 13:32:43 #
I would recommend carrying attached to your camera bag strap. You can buy a lightweight fishing rod tube. Take the tripod with you so you can be certain that it fits. Take the head off and put it in your camera bag.
Or, to save your budget, go to fed-ex or a fishing store that sells cardboard tubes-which you can cut down to the right size. They may have plastic caps or inserts for the ends, or use packing tape criss-crossed a few times (put some extra tape in your bag, just in case TSA is curious and wants to see what is inside, so you can re-tape it).
Either approach will protect it and you can attach it to your camera bag strap to get both as carry-on onto the airplane. Easy to stow overhead-and it IS PROTECTED!
Good luck!
Or, to save your budget, go to fed-ex or a fishing store that sells cardboard tubes-which you can cut down to the right size. They may have plastic caps or inserts for the ends, or use packing tape criss-crossed a few times (put some extra tape in your bag, just in case TSA is curious and wants to see what is inside, so you can re-tape it).
Either approach will protect it and you can attach it to your camera bag strap to get both as carry-on onto the airplane. Easy to stow overhead-and it IS PROTECTED!
Good luck!
Mar 5, 2017 13:54:56 #
Mar 6, 2017 12:18:24 #
I've asked TSA and they say there is not a problem traveling (carrying on) with a small tripod/monopod. Watch out for pointed appendages. What is true about U.S. TSA is not always true to the rest of the world.
In a recent trip to Asia I was stopped and had to argue with a foreign "TSA" agent regarding my Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip BallHead. They said I could use it as a weapon (It also sort of looks like a weapon). After being "interviewed" by three agents and a supervisor I was cleared to fly but thought I may lose my Manfrotto ball head. In general each country's rules are up to the agents on duty. Yes it adds weight to your checked baggage and to unscrupulous baggage handlers but may be weight off your shoulder (pun intended) when traveling. FYI I did lose a monopod a few years ago that was in my checked baggage when flying from Copenhagen.
In a recent trip to Asia I was stopped and had to argue with a foreign "TSA" agent regarding my Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip BallHead. They said I could use it as a weapon (It also sort of looks like a weapon). After being "interviewed" by three agents and a supervisor I was cleared to fly but thought I may lose my Manfrotto ball head. In general each country's rules are up to the agents on duty. Yes it adds weight to your checked baggage and to unscrupulous baggage handlers but may be weight off your shoulder (pun intended) when traveling. FYI I did lose a monopod a few years ago that was in my checked baggage when flying from Copenhagen.
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