Tripod Protection When Flying

I am planning a photography trip and will be flying to my destination.  I will be carrying my camera and lenses on the plane, but will need to check my tripod. 

I'm considering a tripod bag, but I'm concerned that it might not provide enough protection.  I would prefer a hard case but they are much more expensive. 

For those of you who fly with your gear what do you use to protect your tripod when flying?

Thank you,

Brian
 

I pack mine, with the head taken off, in my suitcase. between bags of clothes. It usually gets my bag opened up by TSA, but it's worked well so far. I bought a rolling duffle specifically to accommodate the tripod.

My tripod came with a soft case. I simply wrap towels around the tripod to pad it in the case.
I also just take the smaller one diagonally in my suitcase, as jim suggested. 

We teach workshops and when I travel my tripod goes in the bottom of my checked bag. I always wrap those straps in the suitcase around it and through the legs so if someone tries to grab it quick and run the bag will come with it.  That said I travel 8 to 12 times a year with gear and I have never had the tripod disturbed.  

I I pack my ball head in my camera bag that I carry on.  

Enjoy your trip

not sure how many times you fly each year but TSA pre check is worth every penny.  And if you do international flights  get the global entry card.   They are huge time savers sitting at Orlando airport right now.  From rental car return to gate was about 25 minutes. 

Joe

I've always checked my tripod and have never had problems.  As long as you have enough clothes in there, that typically provides enough padding.  I'm usually more worried about the mammoth lens hoods for my big lenses, which don't fit in my carry-ons (unless I want to sacrifice space for other more delicate gear).  I've ordered and will soon try one of the collapsible lens hoods that are available to see if that makes more sense as a traveling option.

Max

If I can't carry mine on (which I usually do), it goes diagonally in my checked, hard-sided bag with the ball head in my carry-on.  Never a problem.

Like most of the others who have posted here I check mine.  I take the head off my Wimberley and check both the head and tripod in a duffel style roller bag with clothes around them.  I travel quite a few times a year and have never had any problems. 

Thanks everyone.   I appreciate the feedback! 

an alternative is to find a PCV pipe large enough to accommodate your folded tripod. fashion to ends for the pipe (using a variety of techniques), slap a "fragile" sticker on it and off you go.