Hi Dan,

We just back from the Ivory Gull run on Southwest. Everything we took was in carry-on. We put our Manfrotto tripod in a sturdy Target Quad Chair carrying bag, this bag is made out of tough canvas, has a draw-string closure with locking slide and has a carrying strap. I just put it through the security scanner with a word to the TSA guy that "it's a tripod". (I think most of them think it's a quad chair which for some unknown reason we're taking with us!) No one has ever even blinked at it, and we have done this on domestic and some short international flights (ie. Cancun) for years, even with security increases after 9/11.

I do have a luggage tag on it, figure if anyone complains I can have them check it at the gate. So far, no one has.

Good luck on the gull! We saw the Gloucester bird. The SW flights from DC area ($59 OW) are great!

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD

-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Dan haas <>
> I'll be getting on Southwest in the AM bound for the IVORY GULL in
> Plymouth, returning tomorrow night.
> 
> I plan on bringing camera, bins and scope (all of which fit nicely
> into my backpack)... but I'm wondering about the airlines policy on
> carrying on the Manfrotto Tripod.
> 
> Does anyone had any good or bad experiences to share regarding the
> airlines and carrying on one's scope-holding equipment?
> 
> Thank you in advance. Reply off list would be most welcome.
> 
> Good Birding,
> 
> Dan Haas
> West Annapolis, MD
>