tripods + aeroplane

LionOfJudah · 5 Dec 2012 at 20:13

Hi guys,
just quick question - can you carry a tripod in your hand luggage? Usually I put it in with checked luggage but was wondering if I could leave it in my camera bag?
Thanks

footman · 6 Dec 2012 at 08:31

If you can easily pack it in your checked in baggage then that's what I'd do.
Simply not worth taking the risk to have it refused in your cabin baggage.

Phal · 6 Dec 2012 at 09:18

Guess it would depend on size/weight a lot but if there's any doubt you may as well check with the airline first!

julianhj · 6 Dec 2012 at 09:44

Mine (Manfrotto 055CXPro3 & 410PL) goes in my hold baggage - head in a padded bag, everything in the middle surrounded by clothes.

With an average 6kg hand luggage limit, I struggle to get my lenses and bodies though as carry on.

D.P. · 6 Dec 2012 at 15:30

It is not amateur of size, security won't like you taking a tripod through. My Gitzo 3535 + bh-55 is like a baseball bat, a solid steal head makes for a pretty deadly weapon.

Fr th Sam.l feeble flimsy kind you might get away with it, but then I wouldn't other with them n the first place.

Nexus · 6 Dec 2012 at 20:44

I was coming back through Geneva earlier in the year and had a collapsable monopod in my hand luggage. The guy who was searching my bag took it off to the Senior Customs guy for his opinion on whether I was allowed to keep it.

Luckily they allowed me to have it back after they all had a good look, but it wasn't even a thick or heavy monopod compared to most, it only really holds my GoPro camera. So I now wouldn't put such a thing anywhere but my hold luggage. I can only assume that they might consider anything extendable like a monopod/tripod could be used as a weapon.

Phal · 6 Dec 2012 at 20:49

D.P. said:
It is not amateur of size, security won't like you taking a tripod through. My Gitzo 3535 + bh-55 is like a baseball bat, a solid steal head makes for a pretty deadly weapon.

Fr th Sam.l feeble flimsy kind you might get away with it, but then I wouldn't other with them n the first place.

Well to a certain extend, it is a matter of size since if it's too big to fit in the overhead compartments they definitely wouldn't let you take it lol

Anyway, as mentioned here, if there is any doubt (which there seems to be!) then you're better off putting it in the main luggage or risk some numpty confiscating it or or having to sort out having it added to the luggage hold later

LionOfJudah · 7 Dec 2012 at 12:05

Thanks guys I'll stick it in checked baggage again.