Air Security Questions

[skieur]

Has anyone had a security related problem for having a monopod in carry-on luggage on a flight to or from Europe to or from North America? Would it be better to put the monopod in checked luggage?

skieur

 

[Big Mike]

I've never tried to carry-on a tripod or monopod, but if I did, I'd put it into my checked luggage, just to avoid the potential hassle.

Now, try carrying a tape measure with you around the world...that really gets the X-ray operator's attention.

 

[Eagleers]

If you have check in then check it in cause they really are getting really bad.

 

[Seekwence]

I recently flew to and from Minnesota with my tripod in my carry-on. The only problem was my fly fishing rod, which travels in a 5-foot long tube...but I just told them that I always carry on the rod and that it is too expensive and fragile to check. That being said, rules for international might be different and if you are checking baggage, I would put the monopod in there just to be on the safe side. You can always repack at the airport if it is a problem...

 

[ann]

be careful get a tsa lock.

this spring i had my gitzo in my luggage (have flown many times with it in that manner) and it was stolen. Small print from airlines, they don't cover photography equipment among most other things.

 

[Garbz]

I flew internationally with a massive tripod in carry on. The first lady at the checkin told me to come back and see her if security causes an issue, but on the way back I had an issue with the checkin girl, but after argument it went in the carryon again.

 

[skieur]

Thanks for the info. and experiences everyone. I will probably consider carry-on first, but I may have my travel agent talk to security beforehand.

skieur

 

[MarkF48]

This video was floating around a few years ago and this thread reminded me of it.
True story about his $3500 Taylor guitar....


Anyone want to check expensive gear?

 

[icassell]

OMG it would be funny if it weren't incredibly sad and true.

 

[table1349]

I had no problems with a monopod at all. Had it strapped to the outside of the camera bag. Went through security fine and since it was not any longer than my camera bag anyway, it was allowed. It was a domestic flight however.

My tripod on the other hand was a different story. I Fed-exed it to the hotel that we had reservations at and informed the hotel that it was coming. Cheaper than the "luggage cost" that airlines charge and it was sitting in the closet of our room when we got there. When we left i packaged it back up and the hotel shipped it back. Was at our house when we got home.

I'm thinking of boxing my self up and shipping myself Fed-ex next time. The tripod got there faster than we did without the apparent delays. :mrgreen:

 

[MarkF48]

I'm thinking of boxing my self up and shipping myself Fed-ex next time. The tripod got there faster than we did without the apparent delays. :mrgreen:

And your tripod didn't get groped by TSA :mrgreen:

 

[ann]

mine did and they enjoyed it so much they kept it

 

[Renol]

I saw some video from a group of photographers on how they transport gear for on-site shoots. The gist of it was they didn't trust the airlines because of insurance/theft issues and would basically ship their gear via a shipping service like UPS/FED EX. They said it was safer and more reliable and sometimes even cheaper. Best part was the equipment could be insured.

 

[Infidel]

And your tripod didn't get groped by TSA :mrgreen:

Meh, I figure it's just as bad for them as it is for me. Also, I know it's controversial, the pat downs and all, but at least it's finally meaningful security. None of this worthless and illusory nickel and dime crap...."Oh hey, they can put bombs in shoes, so let's x-ray shoes" or "Oh hey, they can make bombs out of liquid, so let's restrict liquid". If they're gonna do it at all, they need to do it right, otherwise they're wasting everyone's time and money. Making dumb people feel safe and stopping terrorists are two completely different things.

I'm still waiting for them to realize that knitting needles can be just as lethal as box cutters.

Seriously: TSA: Transporting Knitting Needles & Needlepoint

Getting back on topic: TSA: Photographic Equipment & Film

No specific mention of tripods or monopods, so I think it's up to the whims of TSA personnel. That said, they do prohibit things like ski poles, hockey sticks, and other sporting goods.

FWIW, I just traveled (and do so somewhat regularly) with a poster tube (black, plastic, screw-on end cap, nylon webbing shoulder strap), which incidentally looks like it could contain a stinger missile. Nary a glance from TSA.

 

[icassell]

No specific mention of tripods or monopods, so I think it's up to the whims of TSA personnel.

And in that is the problem. It is one thing to know something is restricted and plan to ship it. It is another to have it at the whim of the agent and find yourself late for your flight having to deal with checking your expensive pod with no insurance. I still don't understand why airports aren't more careful about matching ticket stubs with checked baggage before they let you walk out with something.