Camera Tripod allowed as carry on

I carried on a monopod in May and a compact tripod (about a foot long fully collapsed) in May and February (I checked the monopod in Feb). No problems in either direction.

Steve,

I remember reading something on that topic last year, but unfortunately I can't remember where I read it? The article stated that carbon fibre Tripods were allowed as carry-on, but those with metal construction were not.

Since that time, I've made it a point to ask the CATSA screeners (same as TSA) at our local airport, and they said "no problem". However since that time, I haven't had any occasions to travel with a Tripod.

I'll probably be taking a carbon fibre Tripod to Europe this year, as part of my trip includes a Photography Workshop in Italy. I'm still debating on whether to check it or bring it as carry-on.

Cheers!

I always check mine. I have Slick and it has nice pointy feet that TSA thinks needs to be checked. I guess you can go and try to carry it on, but I would have a plan B in case you're asked to check it.

Pam

Have you checked out Gorilla Pod tripods? They are not professional style, but I've used one and it's amazing. I've been able to get shots in places I never could before. Mine is small enough to fit in my shoulder/day bag. I don't use a full size digital camera, but it is a medium size. The Gorilla Pod is plastic, so no worries in carry on, no sharp points.

Might be worth checking them out. Depending on the size/weight of your camera they range $25-50.

I no longer carry a tripod. I brought one along on my first trip to Europe several years ago and never used it. Plus, because of the tripod, my luggage was held up and delivered two days after my return home. I have always been able to find a solid surface, such as a church pew or a wall to place the camera against and still get good photos without the hassle of a tripod.

I always carry on a tiny tripod (maybe 3 or 4" high) for my little digital camera. It's plastic with a velcro strap for attaching to a bike frame, small tree, fence post, etc.

Unfortunately, I doubt it's meaty enough to support the weight of a full size DSLR.

I have found that a beanbag works almost as well as a tripod.

My husband is a professional photographer and he has a large tripod. He was told he must check it.

Take your tripod. If you are used to using one, you will miss it if you don't have it with you. I honestly don't think it's the material, it's the pointy ends and length that matter. ; ) I find that I use the tripod the most for landscape photography, which is very plentiful in Scotland where I spend a lot of time. I didn't use it so much when I did city tours. Pam

I used a large Gorilla Pod for my DSLR - and never had an issue yet. In fact i pull it our with my 3-1-1 bag and show tell them its a tripod since it looks wierd! I imagine my 12" telescoping SLIK would be fine too since its small and not pointy. Anything full sized more than 22" is probably too big for international.