Tripod cases on planes-

I have used some of the canvas bags in the past but not with great results.I rather not carry on another bag but when I have put the bags thru as luggage the tripods get really beat up. Any suggestions on a product that would provide more reliable results?? Also I just purchased a camera bag that is built with the new airport security in mind ( from Photo Tank) and it does have a tripods holder attached on it side but I really wonder if they would let you take a mostly exposed tripod as carry on?? Any expierence with this would also be very appreciate.
Jim

Hard cases are available for tripods, but that merely adds another bag to your checkins. You usually wont be able to include a tripod in your carryons due to security concerns. We have resorted to removing heads from tripods so they fit in our regular checked bags. Heads go into boots or shoes within the luggage for extra protection. No problems with that approach, and the clothing in our luggage provides great protection for the tripods.

I've just returned from my 3rd trip in about 5 months. I carried my tripod on without any difficulty. It is attached to my backpack and I siply removed it and place it in the back of the overhead compartment. Does not mean I will never be stoped, but so far so good. It is a Gitzo 1228 with RRS B-40 and the combo also fits in my suitcase with tent ples and walking sticks, is I have the padding and feel safe enough to place them there.

I surelt would not know wha to do with the Gitzo 1348 though. Guess I would have to resort to a hard aces and carry on or checked baggage.

Not sure if this helps?

Nurse Bob on the Kenai
http://homepage.mac.com/bmalvin

My "go everywhere" tripod is a Gitzo 1349 (the 1348 with interchangeable center column) and as you suggest Bob, it's at the same time too big not to attract attention as a carryon and too small to justify its onw case for checking into baggage. Interesting that your 1228 doesn't ding airport security bells, because the 1227 my wife prefers is an attention getter. I'll have to keep that in mind and convince her to try my 1228 once again. She hates Gitzo leg locks and therefore prefers the 1227 with one less, even though it is longer when collapsed.

This depends, of course, on how big your tripod is, but I have had good luck checking my Tripod with the following method. For airline travel, I have a Bogen/Manfrotto (I don't remember the model, but it probably extends to about 5' without the center column up). I have had good luck by removing the head, and packing it into my duffel bag with clothing packed around it and then checking it. Last time I flew, I checked two bags (one being the duffel and another suitcase with other clothes, etc.), and carried on my camera with lenses and my laptop.