Hi; my husband and I have 31 days till we go to GC, both of us very novice flyers. Has anyone taken a camera tri-pod in their luggage without security problems? I am concerned that it will look similar to a fire arm through the x-ray machine, and don't want any problems with that. Thanks!

Are you takling about keeping the tripod in your carry-on? If so, it should cause a problem. If the screener sees something "odd" on the x-ray scanner the TSA agent will simply ask you to open the bag so they can do a manual check. As long as you are not carring a prohibited item you should be OK. You can check the list of prohibited items at: www.tsa.gov

Opps! That second sentance should read: If so, it should not cause a problem.

I was asking about putting the tri-pod in the checked luggage; maybe it would be a better idea for carry-on since I could just open the bag?

I carried a tripod on SWA last September with no problems. It was in its own bag but don't think that had anything to do with it. Things seem to change a lot so I would contact your airline to confirm and check TSA website.

Checked would be fine.

We've checked a tripod several times in the luggage with the other stuff - no problems.

Just to echo everyone else, I travel frequently with a tripod and my luggage has never even been opened by TSA. Don't worry!

Thanks for all the replies! Eases my mind...