Carry tripod onto plane?

I carry a tiny tripod, about 4" long. It also has a velcro strap for a post or small tree. It's mostly plastic and very light. It packs nicely and works well for putting myself in a group photo or taking low-light/night photos.

Right after 9/11 your tripod would have been rejected. The rules have been relaxed some since then. I'm worried your bigger tripod may be hit and miss at security. One security person may have no problem, while at some other airport another security person may say no.

Worst case you have to leave it at the airport before boarding unless you have a way to get it home. Second worst case, you get to use it in Europe but aren't allowed to bring it home.

A question to ask the airlines is, "If TSA won't let it on, can I check it by itself as luggage?" If yes, you could always leave security, check it in as luggage then clear security but have to wait for luggage on arrival.

Hi Guy,

Years ago I read a Photography magazine article in which the pro photographer-author highly recommended use of a "sandbag" (much like the bag with proprietary name Steadicam) - instead of a tripod. The article noted difficulties encountered at times in foreign locations when using photo tripods. For example, tripods can call unwanted attention to the process and can compromise a candid shot. At other times, because of the tripod set-up production, a "policeman" may be moved to ask to see your "photography permit" or license - which might be bought from him if you had none. A Steadicam or similar camera support would nearly always go unnoticed in the same situations, said he.
Happy photos! P

If its down to 14" i think you will be ok - esp if its mostley plastic. I have one of those Gorila-pod wierd but functional looking tripods that really surprised the TSA guys - so I make a point to point it out as i go through security and show them "Its a Cam tripod" - most are curious about it and say wow never seen one like it - and on I go... so smile and let them know youre makeing an effort to involve them proactivley (then just stick it in your bag or "strap" it to the outside. I dont think it will be a problem. If youre really nervous - go to the airport quickly on a slow day and ask the TSA folks there at the line (again - on a slow day!)

re: beanbags: I too have read a lot about the functionality and utility -even bought one of those new POD-camera bean-puck things. However - unless you check it in lugage - it will probably be more of a problem for security than the tripod. If they open it it will make a mess too! just keep that in mind (and they can be heavy!)

Tom, and others. Thanks for you input. I understand that there are other options and ways to steady the camera. However, I bought this carbon-fiber tripod specifically for travel because it will fold down to 14" and only weighs 2.2 pounds. It gives me the height and flexibiliy I'd like to have when confronted by certain situations, especially night shots. Since it cost in excess of $600 (yeah,nuts, that much for a tripod...I thought so till I got it) I certainly have no plans to check it in a bag or by itself and I'm certainly not going to leave it at TSA security. If necessary I'd be willing to give it to a flight attendant to secure during the flight, but I don't want to mess with it going through security. I'm beginning to fear that there is no reliable guideline since even the TSA won't give a clear response on the issue. I wasn't sure if anyone had had a real life experience with going through security with a tripod, not a gorilla-pod or mini-pod, etc. Again,thanks for you input.

well here is a quick test - if you or anyone you know is going on a plane anytime soon - give them a similar sized cheapy version and let them test it!