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How to travel with Heavy Tripod on airplane?

AndreasOberg

AndreasOberg

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Hiya,

I was wondering how would you best transport a Tripod and head on an airplane.
So far I have seen 1 box for the tripod legs and one for the head. I do not much like this solution because it needs TWO bags, where I would like to have just one bag for all.

We have the OConnor 2560 and its heavy duty long tripod legs. In total they are about 18kg so if the bag is below 5 then it would fit on a normal airplane.

Before when we had 100mm head we would just wrap them and put them in a suit case, but these are too big.

Best,
Andreas
 
Alex Kiritz said:
A large hard case and a pass to get media rates.
Click to expand...

This. At least here in the states most of the major airlines accept media baggage rates (after your first two bags, its $50 each). I was tired of doing the business card and matching credit card as some agents didn't know it's allowed, so I had a badge printed from IDCreator.com - this has solved all of my headaches.
 
Thanks for the reply guys. Would you have two bags for the tripod then or one hard case for both of them together?

How do you get a pass with media rates? Any special requirements?
We are our own production company.

This time we are flying to Mexico btw with Aeromexico.
Andreas
 
Last edited:
Alex, what case would you use. The tripod is long, 103cm long and 28 thick.
Maximum lengths for airports 158cm in total. Maybe there are special sizes since you can ship snowboards etc?

What I consider is is actually dissassembling the tripod. That way it would be much less thick.

/Andreas
 
I use this SKB case for flying internationally and find its really good, its a little bit too large for the O'connor 1030ds head and O'connor 60L legs but I just pack it with foam, I can also fit a cardellini Tri-hat in there too using a plywood plate on the bottom to separate everything.
heartily recommend!
 
Anyone has a case for the Heavy Duty Cine OConnor 150mm. It is BIG. 103cm and 28.2cm thick. Most cases I find are not thick enough.
I also worry somewhat how to get it into the airplane since the max dimensions will be larger than what they allow for suitcases.

I plan on puttin the tripod head into a Peli case and just have other equipment with them.

I think I will try to stay below 23kg in total for each case. Maybe, maybe 32kg. Most airlines from Europe does not allow any bigger than that.
A bit tricky balance, if I should go for more 23kg cases or go for fewer but heavier cases. Usually the 32kg weight is quite costly, while adding another case is not so bad.

Cheers
Andreas
 
Those dimensions for your tripod bag are just no problem. We do it all the time.
After you check in, you will be asked to take the 'extra-long' tripod bag to a 'special bag' drop off.
Our bag for the legs is actually a soft protected case and we have never had a problem. The head goes in a pelican like you say.
Avoid unduly heavy cases and remember to carry your batteries on board.
 
Hiya William. What kind of soft cases do you use for that?
I just tried to dissassemble the tripod and managed to make it much smaller, but downside is now there are lots of screws to keep track of.
Is there not a risk of the legs being bent in a soft case?

Thanks for the tips!
Andreas
 
Btw, talked to a store selling pelicans and they did not recommend the Air for cargo. Said that they broke too easily in transit. Anyone know if this is true?
Best,
Andreas
 
Hi Andreas,
The bag is just a soft Manfrotto. The legs are carbon fibre or aluminium and neither have ever had any problem.
We do wrap them in extra padding, like expedition clothing, jackets etc - but nothing more.
I certainly wouldn't pull them apart. Often you want to hit the ground running and reassembly would just be an annoying delay.

... besides I'd be much more concerned about that big beautiful lens you have. Hope you don't put that in the hold?!!!
 
Haha, Will,
No THAT lens I will carry. Thankfully there are two of us so we can carry 2x10 in the cabin. And in reality with big pockets it is probably closer to 30kg. So Red, probably all lenses will go there.
Peli I think I will put all mechanical things. The most sensitive would probably be laptop, maybe 5DSR, 1DX.

Andreas
 
I always suggest everyone to use a travel tripod while traveling. Rather than using normal tripod. It will be easy to handle then. You can check this trip planning sites list.
If you’re traveling with your camera gear, it’s always a good idea to get on the plane as early as possible. It massively increases your chance of getting space in the luggage bin without your bag being too closely inspected.
 
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