With regards to the tripod headache, my friend was in trouble last minute over at Tan Son Nhat Airport (HCMC airport) when he did not pay for additional check-in luaggage during ticket booking.
Flying budget with Jetstar also meant that he had to pay another 50 SGD equivalent to check in the tripod last minute. So he was stuck outside. I tried talking to the airport staff;
Me: Hi sir, can you give my friend exception for the tripod? It's not dangerous right?
Young security guy: No, no, it not dangerous, only tripod. But it maybe can be danger.
Me: Then if it's not dangerous, i buy you ca phe (coffee)?
Young security guy: Haha, no no, I can't give exception, it's regulation.
Me: Hi sir, what if we can fit the tripod inside the bag?
Young security guy: Haha... how you fit it inside bag?! It's MANFROTTO.
(For the moment I realized this guy was a photographer too)
Me: Alright, if we can fit the tripod in, can have exception?
Young security guy: Hahaha...
(Somehow we did manage to fit the tripod into his bag, as we passed through again)
Young security guy: Don't take it out, have nice trip to singapore.
So if you're travelling by budget, pay up for additional check-in luggage at the start for your tripod to avoid problems. Last minute check-in is expensive.