Carrying on a tripod - any problems?
 

My wife and I are trying to get away with carrying on our luggae for our safari instead of checking it. Weare traveling on Northwest Airlines exclusively. For those that have brought a tripod in the past, has the airline given you any trouble about carrying it on? I would hate to have them view it as a "weapon" and then take it from me!!

TIA!!

A tripod is too cumbersome if you're just looking for stabilization. Use one of your socks to fill with beans (I used a ziplock bag with sand in it in Peru). When you're done, you toss out the sand or beans.
I just bought a Gorillapod - it's flexible legs wrap around anything: railing, Jeep rack, fence. I'm still trying it out, but it's worth a look.

Thanks for your response. I actually have a bean bag for the Jeep, but I wanted a tripod for sunset/sunrise shots at the various camps.

Tripod is OK on US airlines, according to TSA (so long as it has no sharp points, per the letter they sent me when I asked) ... dunno about KLM though, you'll have to go thru another security check at AMS.

We always put ours in hard-shelled suitcases when going to Africa.

Bill

I have carried tripod on both SAA and Emirates in the past ..... no problem!

Where are you travelling to? Some places/camps have weight restrictions, so bulky luggage won't work ..... check with your operator, if the vehicle is already provided with a bean bag in addition to the tripod you plan to carry.

Hari

Hi,
We carried our tripod on (carried everything on) without checking on NWA/KLM. No problems. We didn't use it but I can understand your wanting to bring it! Have a great time!