I've traveled with tripods in checked luggage many times. I put it in the center of the clothes, on all sides. Never had an issue.
Originally posted by aslyfox get a long pcp pipe big enough for the tripod to fit inside and place the " package " into the check luggage
The suggestion above of putting it inside a piece of PVC pipe is a good one. Cut a piece to fit your luggage with caps and I think that would be safe from anything that wouldn't destroy the bag. PVC is available in 4" possibly to small but might work or 6" which should be perfect. Note you can get DWV (sometimes called schedule 1020) or schedule 40 PVC which is much thicker and heavier. I think either would work and DWV is a lot cheaper.
---------- Post added 07-22-21 at 09:12 AM ----------
Originally posted by wm_brant Welp, I then cancelled the insurance on my camera gear...
I think I would have canceled the house insurance and got a new provider................