Darren:
I haven't taken any tripods (accept for Ultra Pod 2 that is tiny)
on the airplane.
If I did, I would be concerned on the elements of the head, such as
adjustment handles (those that look as a stick with a knob at the end), -
those could be bent if something heavy is placed on top of the tripod.
But maybe I am underestimating those...
Also, I would be concerned about various plastic knobs on the head.
For those, I'd consider wrapping a large-bubble bubble wrap around the
head (with a clear packing tape on top and/or rubber bands below the
head).
This is unrelated to the concern about the tripod, but Paul's comment
regarding Pelican hard cases brought up some important aspects.
The advantage of those is not just in the protection they provide against
the impact, but also the fact they don't have zippers, as zippers can be
easily "unlocked" with a pen:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2626254/Shocking-video-shows-easy-break-suitcase.html
(I disagree with that guy about non-TSA-approved locks: bags get checked
behind the scene, and they have no way of calling you to open the lock.)
But at the same time, I would not fully trust the "Travel Sentry" locks
(aka TSA-approved, etc.). You can read this article, why:
http://arstechnica.com/security/2015/09/video-3d-printed-tsa-travel-sentry-keys-really-do-open-tsa-locks/
But even, if the keys were not compromised by Washington Post, there are
plenty of unscrupulous people who have access to those keys in the world.
Especially travelling internationally, I would be very much concerned
checking in any of high-tech items in the luggage.
Still, a case that makes it more complicated to get in quickly probably
makes sense. But it also attracts more attention (as the entire case can
"walk away").
One alternative is to ship via UPS/FedEx. But that gets expensive for
international shipments. But if you are on assignment, and want to assure
your gear shows up when needed, that might be worst the cost.
You can also considering "wearing" things on you in a multipocket jacket:
http://globaltravelclothing.com/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/13/AR2011011305749.html
Some of those remind me of the "photo vests" that many here are familiar
with.
(I've been going around the weight limitation for the carry-on items in
Europe by placing some of the lenses and the flash from my photo bag into
my jacket's pockets, but it was a regular jacket.)
Best,
Igor
On Fri, Apr 1, 2016 at 9:06 AM, Darren Addy wrote:
No this isn't an April Fools post on how to accomplish the Wright
Brother's achievement, using nothing but a tripod; It is a request for
information on the best way to transport a tripod via commercial
airlines.
I should have thought about this long before now, but... I've got a
"normal" Manfrotto (good sized) tripod. I'm going to take the 3-way
head with. I've got the Manfrotto soft (zippered) case for it. Is that
good enough to trust to the gorillas that throw baggage around? I can
pack with some bubble wrap in there, if that will help.
Alternative suggestions? Thanks in advance.
PS... I plan on carrying-on a backpack with camera video gear that is
going with. My clothes suitcase can be checked-in.
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