Monopods and airport security

Calina

I know this was the subject of some discussion lately.

I've some recent experience of this lately.

Dublin Airport security allowed it through okay on Thursday
Lisbon Airport security allowed it through okay last Thursday week
Rennes Airport security threw a doozie and sent me back to check it in as hold luggage. They took the view it could be used as a blunt instrument.

On balance, I'd have to say I think Rennes probably over reacted but then security is not my job. My monopod now has a luggage tag stuck to it. Argghh.

AnCatDubh

i love the consistency you get at airports around the world !!! i've seen some strange things at security check ins.

i think it may be good advice, if you are already checking in baggage, put the monopod inside your suitcase / other bag. if not checking in baggage then, you gamble 50/50. Hmnnnn..... not the best of odds. so maybe worthwhile getting its own case if you are a regular traveller without baggage and be at least prepared to pay the check in fees that may apply.

10-10-20

Ah - I brought over a monopod to Le Mans two years ago and the security guard in Dinard wasn't happy. He was demonstrating how the head was heavy and could be used to strike people. I played the fool and extended fully it and popped the camera ontop to show him its true function. He kinda waved me off as a lost cause.
Must be a French thing.

monkeyfudge

Bottles of wine can also be used as blunt instruments and the broken glass can be used to stab people with too... No problem getting bottles on board though.

AnCatDubh

monkeyfudge wrote:

Bottles of wine can also be used as blunt instruments and the broken glass can be used to stab people with too... No problem getting bottles on board though.

I think when they see an Irish passport and a bottle of wine, it doesn't raise too much suspicion

DaireQuinlan

monkeyfudge wrote:

Bottles of wine can also be used as blunt instruments and the broken glass can be used to stab people with too... No problem getting bottles on board though.

Hah, If I stuck my 75-300 onto my F4 and extended it I could bludgeon people to death without any difficulty at all. And THEN probably still be able to take pictures of the carnage. Yeah, security at airports is just nonsensical sometimes. I dragged a Manfrotto all the way to italy and back last week and nary a word was said, but when I was in Australia a few years back an overly officious security guy confiscated my 20 dollar plastic tripod because "it could be used as a weapon, mate" ...

Fajitas!

Just back from Glasgow (Hour late)

Security took my camera bag apart, but tbh, he seemed moreso bored, and wanted to play with some gear than anything else.

I put my tripod into my luggage though.

For the 2 shots I used it for. :rolleyes:

Cabaal

AnCatDubh wrote:

I think when they see an Irish passport and a bottle of wine, it doesn't raise too much suspicion

ssshh you'll give terrorists ideas...then we'll all be doomed!

Valentia

Calina wrote:

Rennes Airport security threw a doozie and sent me back to check it in as hold luggage./quote]

What?? They wouldn't allow the monopod on yet they allowed you???? Very laxe of them .

Calina

I know. Shocking when you think about it.