Camera Tripod On Plane
Many travelers are taking high quality camera gear while traveling including tripods.
Camera tripod on plane. While tripods aren t prohibited by tsa from carry on into airplane cabins sometimes tsa agents and airline gate agents have refused to permit them into the airplane cabin. For those seeking to bring it all on the plane rest assured in the united states the transportation security administration allows photographic tripods and monopods as carry on. Different airlines have different cabin baggage allowances skyscanner has a good summary and different levels of enforcement of the rules. The only stipulation from the tsa is that the tripod or monopod not exceed the maximum carry on limits and either fit in the overhead or under the seat below.
If you do have spikes the best thing to do to improve your chances of getting the tripod onto the plane in your carry on bag would be to remove the spikes and pack them in your checked bag. Then add padded case type items like lenses or flashes inside their padded protection but with batteries removed. First anything not so delicate like light stands and tripods should go at the very bottom of your suitcase. The airline still has to let you on.
Just because the tsa has let you through the security screening doesn t mean your tripod is on the plane yet. So yes tripods are allowed as carry on but the decision is still subject to the discretion of an officer. And this step is trickier.