You may find you have to check it in. I flew back from France last year having driven down with the tripod in the car and I got stopped as I put my rucksack through the x ray and had to go and check my back in. Don't think they appreciated my trying to take so big metal poles on board.
I always check mine in. I bought a padded case for it and it's been on well over 200 flights without damage.
Money well spent I think.
In 200 flights the baggage handlers have been unsuccessful in bending it!, that is amazing considering the way they hurl you baggage about!.