 Michelle Andersson |
Tripod and Airport Security Hey there. My husband and I are heading off on a trip overseas and we want to bring all our equipment with us as carry on luggage. In fact we are planning to just bring carry on luggage and that's it to avoid the hassle etc.. with checking baggage. I'm trying to figure out whether security will allow me to bring my tripod on the plane or not. Have any of you had any trouble with being allowed to bring a tripod on the plane with you? What do you think?
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robert G. Fately |
Michelle, I'd recommend that you check in advance with the airline - I think most of them would consider a tripod unacceptable for carry-on. Not that I agree with that ridiculous attitude, but in order to maintain the theatrics of security it must look as though anything dangerous is not allowed.
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Michelle Andersson |
Yeah I called them and they said that it isn't allow and it isn't disallowed either. That it will be up to the employee that day. I'm curious anyone have much trouble with this?
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robert G. Fately |
Wow, now I really feel secure! So if a TSA worker checking you out is having a bad day (kid's home sick, spouse smashed the car up), the ruling for your tripod is different than for the next lane of security where the inspector is a happy camper? Maybe you can just use your charms on the worker. Otherwise, it might be worth just shipping the tripod in advance to the hotel or whatever...
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Michelle Andersson |
LOL yeah...
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Anthony Soares |
Michelle, I would say it should'nt be a problem as long as it conforms to carry on size dimensions.But still if it is a high dollar tripod,is it worth the risk.you did not mention where overseas you are going.depending on location you may encounter problems coming back.you may also be able to pick one up at your destination for a decent price,just a thought.....Tony
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Mark Feldstein |
Howdy Michelle !! I usually travel for an assignment every week or two. Tripods and clothes packs ride through checked baggage, cameras, etc. and film ride with me and if I've got one with me, an assistant on board the plane. While I understand you wanting to avoid checking baggage, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet, err so-to-speak, and check some stuff that's unbreakable and won't be harmed by x-rays. That's especially so when traveling from the U.S. overseas and coming home. The most important piece of equipment you can carry on this trip is called a Carnet. It's a passport for your equipment and proves you purchased it here in the U.S. and not overseas. I get mine through someone as ASMP but I think they have a website. Just google it. You have to pay a few bucks for it, but it's worth it. If you think waiting for baggage sucks, wait til you stand around cooling your heals while some customs guy who's also had a bad day, tries to determine where you bought that tripod you wanted to take on board or the rest of your equipment. Take it light.
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Mark Feldstein |
Forgot: Tripod cases are available at bhphotovideo.com or kinesis photo gear, http://www.kgear.com. And, when you check in, if your tripod or checked baggage is worth more than $500 bucks, tell the counter agent. Oh, and I meant to say Carnets are available as a member of ASMP (at a nominal charge, based on the value of the equipment). Finally, you might check with your insurance agent to see if you need to buy a rider for your household insurance policy to cover your gear on a trip like yours overseas. Just a thought.
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Christopher A. Vedros |
"cameras, etc. and film ride with me and if I've got one with me, an assistant on board the plane." Michael, I'm glad you let your assistant ride with you on board the plane, instead of checking them. They get angry when you do that! ;-) Michelle, while I agree that going the all carry-on route is much easier than checking bags, it might not be practical for an overseas flight. You should also check to see if the airline has a limit to the number of carry-on bags they will allow. They usually do. Chris
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Michelle Andersson |
Thanks guys for all your answers. :)
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KV Day |
I worked as a ticket agent at JFK. Usually its 2 of whatever, carry on/ tripod, tripod/purse what ever combination but must fit the size standard. Doesnt mean you cant stuff your purse in another bag. I would carry on my tripod if expensive and fits the size standard and check my carry on at the counter. And the airline is right, depends on who is checking you in and doing boarding pass checks, some will allow 3 but rarely.
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Mark Feldstein |
Hey Chris !! I used to check my assistant through baggage claim but I got tired of hearing him whining afterwards about cramped seating, lousy service and white caps on the coffee. Yikes !! I ought to make him try coach !!! Hey, do you know anyone who wants to buy a slightly used Rimowa "assistant transport case". (Minimal padding of course). Meanwhile, now he wants to ride IN the rental car instead of the trunk. Now WHERE am I supposed to put the equipment? LOL !!! Always something. ;>)
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Samuel Smith |
hey mark,i was waiting for a recent post to share an albert einstein quote which is my favorite. the difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits.not a shot mark,cause I think i'm in the latter category. get a van,they'll all fit in the back. sam
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Michelle Andersson |
LOL! You guys crack me up!
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Mark Feldstein |
Hey Sam. Yep. I'll definitely drink to that quote. Thanks for sharing that one. :>))
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Samuel Smith |
i ah forgot to thank bob for all his great info and knowledge.and a nice little post of shall we say,insight to daily life? please be careful what you wish for? sam
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- Carolyn M. Fletcher  Contact Carolyn M. Fletcher Carolyn M. Fletcher's Gallery |
Yeah, it can be a nightmare. I tried to get on with a camera bag,stuffed carry on and purse..No way..I finally had to throw away an extra pair of shoes so I could get the purse in the carry on. Those people have no sense of humor at all!
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