Will the "Airline and Airport" let me take my tripod

[nishi57]

I have a quick concern, just a couple of days back I bought a Canon DSLR Rebel XTi, I love the camera and the things I can do with it. However I will be traveling during December, and I am wondering will I be able to take my tripod with me (Would the Airlines as well as the Airport authorities allow that)?? Has anyone taken their tripod with them while they were flying!! I will be flying from Detroit to Orlando (This coming December), the airlines is "Spirit Airlines". Do keep me posted.

[TenD]

I haven't even tried to get mine through security. I put it in my checked baggage, usually in an army type duffle surrounded with clothing for padding. I've never had any trouble.

[nishi57]

I will give that a try, and see how it flies.

Nishi

[GaryS]

Since you have some time... the best thing to do is contact the airline, explain what you want to bring, and they will tell you exactly what you can bring and how to pack it.

I agree that there should be no problem. I generally carry-on my camera bag, and check my tripod in my suitcase. If I had a carrycase for my tripod, I would probably carry it on too.

[nishi57]

....suggestions, I was definitely planning on calling the airlines at least a couple of weeks before I leave on my trip. I should also invest on a case for my tripod.

Thanks,

Nishi

[JTL]

Just pack it in your checked luggage and you'll have no worries. I suggest not trying to carry it on. If they stop you, what are you going to do? Leave it at the security gate? Calling the airlines ahead of time is useless because:

1. You get wrong information some of the time, even regarding their own policies (happened to me numerous times).
2. Rules and regs change constantly and capriciously.
3. What the airline says is O.K. may not be O.K. with the TSA or other security authority (or individual agents. Many of them make up things on the fly when they're not sure...also has happened to me).
4. Rules differ from airport to airport and country to country. What's acceptable flying out might not be acceptable flying back (I've been snagged by that one as well!).

[BBPhoto]

I absolutely agree with JTL. I recently went through Heathrow with a friend. He brought two carry-on bags and was assured by the airline counter agent that is was OK as he was flying first class. At the last security check just before the gate he was turned back and told to check one of the bags and almost missed the flight. Have your tripod checked. It will make the trip a lot easier.

[JTL]

I absolutely agree with JTL. I recently went through Heathrow with a friend. He brought two carry-on bags and was assured by the airline counter agent that is was OK as he was flying first class. At the last security check just before the gate he was turned back and told to check one of the bags and almost missed the flight. Have your tripod checked. It will make the trip a lot easier.This reminded of something that I need to do. I really need to lodge an official complaint with Virgin Atlantic, because flying from New York to Heathrow, you're allowed two carry on items. But flying back, its only one. Of course no one from Virgin Atlantic tells you this when your leaving the U.S. with you're cameara bag and your laptop. At Heathrow, I came close to being taken away by security because I was screaming so loudly and the agent..."How could you not inform your U.S. based round-trip customers that they can only bring one carry-on back?" It's really F'ed up. I mean seriously.

So...what did I do? I shoved the camera and lens into the laptop case front flap pocket (half falling out) and all my accessories in my pockets and CHECKED THE EMPTY CAMERA BAG! How F'ing stupid is a rule that makes you do something like that? Complete and utter moronism. Its beyond any rational explanation whatsoever.

[Honest Gaza]

I agree with the previous posts. I put the Tripod in the "checked in" Suitcase, and the rest of the camera gear as "carry on" luggage.

[nishi57]

All of your suggestions have left me stumped on whether to take my Camera on this trip, I am scared that if I pack my camera and check it in with the rest of my luggage (I am hoping it will be safe as I am going to keep it in a camera back pack), that my luggage will not be mis handled and remains safe. So guys have any of you placed your camera and checked it in with the remaining luggage, how has it been?? I mean is your camera safe??

[kgosden]

I would NEVER check my DSLR or any other expensive electronics. If you cannot carry it on it may be worth shipping it ahead via FedEx, etc. I do regularly check my tripod. This is almost oxymoronic since my tripod and head cost about the same as my camera body. However, tripods are a lot bigger and less attractive to luggage rifling thieves. A tripod that would collapse to a packable 22 or so inches was a requirement when I was shopping.

[pas49ras]

Since you are flying in the states...carry on your camera and pack the tripod in your suitcase. Almost every bag that you check in is rummaged through and I wouldn't leave anything of value in a checked in bag.

[nishi57]

...my camera with me when I leave (It will at least be safe, when I carry it instead of leaving it in the suitcase and checking it in with my other luggage).

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.