safe to check in tripod to cargo hold of plane?

[Isaiahfortythirtyone]

im gg to london tomorrow and i'm thinking of checking in my tripod to the cargo hold. is it a good idea? im using a slik 330DX and manfrotto 486rc2. not sure if it will get damaged. or maybe i should hand hold. would like your advice and opinion.

[kcuf2]

is ur luggage big enuff? maybe u stuff it inside ur luggage?
handhold i dunno can or not leh... later they think u wanna assassinate somebody on board (i dunno)

[+evenstar]

if ur luggage is large enough then u put it in, and use paper/clothes to pad it..otherwise just use a tripod bag to handhold it

[zac08]

Better check if you can check in as handheld (if you intend to do so) as there seems to be a limit in height for some airlines.

[longkangman]

If tripod is not carbon fibre I would check in with bag that is come with padding.
For CF I will hand carry.

I alwasy handcarry regardless if you watch those carrier how they throw the luggage .....
scared.

[Terence]

My CF pod lives in my suitcase most of the time... still in one piece after 300+ flights.

[Isaiahfortythirtyone]

tahnks all

Terence: Are you Terence Tay? the one with the Photo exhibition on now on Kolkata at Bras Basah?

[Deadpoet]

you may not have a choice. lot's of airlines have banned items like tripods in the cabin. security concern.

[Caspere]

Just tie the tripod legs together.

1. Remove the tripod head and handcarry.
2. Cap the screw (that attaches the tripod-head on the tripod) with a nut.
3. Remove extra/additional screws that might come off.
4. Tag a FRAGILE label (available from the airline).

When the handler see the tripod, they handle it separately instead of throwing all those normal-looking luggages. If you use a normal looking bag and tried to pack in with clothing or newspapers, they don't know and don't care. A kind airport handler told me they do that (separate handling) for items like tripods/ surfboards/ golfbags etc.. (if they can see and know)

I use the a Bogen tripod that allows me to move the lever (for locking/unlocking) towards the inside of the tripod instead of jutting out like all the tripods. Makes it easier for me to stack bags and stuff on and around the tripod.

I use that aircon tubing insulation and covered all the legs so they don't stick to my hands during winter. I leave it on permanently. This also provide some cushion.

When I need it, it flies with me. 10 years already...

[Caspere]

Sorry. Someone just reminded me that I have a big tripod. So the advice may not work for those compact or small tripods.