Golf-FAQ.com

how to pack golf clubs on airplane

by Suzanne McKenzie Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Airlines treat golf clubs like any other checked luggage as long as they're properly stored and tightly stowed. You won't be charged extra just to bring them on board. Indeed, some airlines will allow your bag as carry-on luggage so long as it weighs less than 50 pounds.

Do airlines have boxes for golf clubs?

Most airlines treat golf clubs as standard luggage, meaning there's a weight limit (usually 50 pounds) but no oversize baggage fee. If your clubs go missing, the carrier will replace them (just be prepared to deal with paperwork and, in all likelihood, long hold times on calls should you need additional assistance).

How much does it cost to take golf clubs on a plane?

How much does it cost to take your golf clubs on a plane? It depends on the airline but fees can range greatly. Here is a great baggage fee infographic provided by Ship Sticks that breaks down each airline baggage fee. In general, it'll cost between $50-$150 depending on the number of bags and total weight.

Is it expensive to fly with golf clubs?

$50 to $150The cost is roughly the same — and possibly cheaper Unless you have elite status with your airline and can check bags for free, flying with your clubs will likely run anywhere from $50 to $150.

Do you need a special bag to fly with golf clubs?

Airlines treat golf clubs like any other checked luggage as long as they're properly stored and tightly stowed. You won't be charged extra just to bring them on board. Indeed, some airlines will allow your bag as carry-on luggage so long as it weighs less than 50 pounds.

What is the best way to travel with golf clubs?

Tips for Traveling with your Golf ClubsTry to get a non-stop flight. ... Get a durable, well-made travel bag. ... If you use a soft-sided bag, don't forget to pack a golf club protection device. ... Don't forget that golf bags are considered “oversized check-in”. ... Add some personal ID marking to your bag.More items...•

Are golf clubs oversized baggage?

Different airports have different capacities and protocols. But at most major airports in the U.S., chances are your clubs will go to oversized baggage.

Is it cheaper to ship or check golf clubs?

At the most basic level, checking a golf bag is often a little cheaper than shipping them. (Ship Sticks offers a base rate of $39 for bags under 42 pounds.)

Are golf clubs free on Delta?

Delta customers traveling with surfboards, bicycles, golf clubs, scuba gear and other large-sized sporting equipment will now be allowed to check them as part of their standard baggage allowance.

Do golf bags fly free?

It may be only a matter of time before this colorful carrier caves, but for now, your first two checked bags -- including golf bags in travel cases are free, round-trip, as long as they weigh less than 50 pounds.

How much does it cost to fly clubs on American?

Airline Sports Equipment FeesAmerican AirlinesSouthwest AirlinesSize Requirements for Bikes, Surfboards, Skis, and MoreAmerican Airlines Special ItemsSouthwest Baggage PoliciesOverweight Baggage Fee (Domestic)$100 to $200$75Oversize Baggage Fee (Domestic)$200$751 more row•Jun 8, 2022

How much does it cost to check golf clubs on Southwest?

In total, a Customer is limited to check 20 pieces of checked baggage per flight. This limitation includes Carrier's Free Checked Baggage Allowance and excess baggage would be subject to applicable excess baggage charges....Optional Travel Charges.FEECOSTSporting Equipment2$75 per bagOther FeesChange Fee5$0Cancellation Fee$030 more rows

Do golf bags fly free on Southwest?

Each Customer is allowed two free checked bags (weight and size limits apply). Plus, golf bags1 and skis2 count toward your free checked bag if they are within the weight limit. At the airport, check your bags using our self-tagging kiosks or with a friendly Southwest agent.

How to put golf clubs back together?

Step Two: Take the heads off all adjustable clubs. Put the heads in their headcovers and store them inside your golf bag or in another piece of luggage. Make notes or take pics of how the clubs get put back together. Step Three: Use a Stiff Arm . If you don’t want to spring for a Stiff Arm, use a broom handle.

How to make a golf cart bag?

Step One: Choose a golf bag without legs. I prefer a cart bag, but a true walking bag is a fine choice, too. The reason for this is simple: even in a hard case, a bag’s legs are very easy to break. I lost a great stand bag that way. Step Two: Take the heads off all adjustable clubs.

How much weight can you put in a golf bag?

Your golf bag is going to get very close to the 50 pound limit, especially with a hard case. Putting your balls in your luggage will save you from paying the overweight charge or doing the emergency reshuffle at baggage check. Bonus Tip: Put your rangefinder in your carry on.

Where is Matt from Plugged In Golf?

He's worked in nearly every job in the golf industry from club fitting to instruction to writing and speaking. Matt lives in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.

Do airlines cover hard cases?

Hard case: Peace of mind. The airlines will only cover damaged clubs if you’re using a hard case.

Is it a hassle to travel with golf clubs?

Taking a golf trip is great, but traveling with golf clubs is a hassle. More than that, it’s nerve wracking to think about your precious clubs being lost, stolen, or broken en route. Today, I’ll share some of my hard earned lessons about packing golf clubs for air travel.

Can I Take My Golf Clubs on a Plane?

Almost every airline treats golf clubs as standard luggage. TSA generally permits golf bags as checked luggage but not as carry-on.

How Much Does It Cost to Bring Golf Clubs on a Plane?

Airlines treat golf clubs like any other checked luggage as long as they're properly stored and tightly stowed. You won't be charged extra just to bring them on board.

How to Bring Golf Clubs on a Plane

The airline isn't going to treat your golf bag any differently than any other checked bag. But as you well know, a bag full of a bunch of sweaters absolutely cannot be treated in the same way as a bag full of expensive, polished, precision-cut clubs. One tiny dent in the rod, and your swing might be in trouble!

4 Tips for Traveling With Your Golf Clubs

In addition to reading up on airline policies before you fly, considering renting clubs at your destination, ID tagging them, and using a hard-shell case, there are more preventive measures you can take. Here are the four best tips for traveling with your clubs.

Happy Golfing

Golf is supposed to be an easy, relaxing game, even if you're a competitive pro.

What is a club glove?

Made by the same company that makes the Club Glove, it's basically a telescoping closet rod with a small frisbee on one end. Placed down the center of your golf bag and extended up to the top of the inside of your travel bag, it becomes the tallest "club" in your bag and takes the brunt of any weight placed on your gear.

Why do I throw a rain hood over my golf clubs?

Once that's done, I throw my rain hood over the whole thing to keep everything in place and as a precaution against rain or leaking engine oil (although if the latter is happening, ruined golf clubs don't seem like such a big deal).

Where does a break in a golf club happen?

If a club breaks in transit, it usually happens where the clubhead meets the shaft.

What is the first step to flying with golf clubs?

Buying a golf bag is the first step to flying with golf clubs. But it’s not the last. Now, you need to ensure that you pack everything smartly and securely.

How to protect golf clubs?

Choose the cover that works for you. This will depend on many variables, but I suggest you go for the hard shell bag with wheels. Not only will it be much easier to transport, but it will protect your clubs the best so you can rest assured that your clubs will arrive at your destination safe and sound!

Do airlines charge extra for golf bags?

Most airlines do not charge extra for golf travel bags, as long as you remain within the standard weight limits. Delta, United, American Airlines and other major airlines allow one golf bag per passenger as checked luggage.

Can you carry on a golf putter?

No. Airlines do not allow golf putters on airplanes – as carry-ons, that is. Golf clubs on airplanes may be used as weapons, so they are prohibited. Likewise, any sporting equipment that could be used as a weapon, such as a putter or a baseball bat, cannot be carried on a plane.

Can I pack clothes in my golf bag?

You can pack whatever you like in your golf bag, as long as there is room. But, overpacking may lead to potential damage to your clubs and other equipment in the bag. If you have room, clothes can act as a nice buffer between the clubs to cushion them as they move around during your flight.

What is the best cover for a golf bag?

These will protect your golf bag and clubs from damage during air travel. The CaddyDaddy Golf CDX-10 is a great option.

How to cover shafts in golf bag?

Use bubble wrap or towels to cover the shafts that stick out of the golf bag. Bubblewrap is a cheap and reliable way to give your shafts some padding. To ensure the bubble wrap stays on, seal it with some durable tape. Place a stiff arm tool in your bag. A stiff arm is an extendable handle with a large circular end.

How to protect your golf clubs from a bang?

Going to and fro from the course is one thing, but when you’re going to let others handle your bangs there are some special measures you can take to protect your equipment. First, off I always make sure to try and pack all similar height clubs together, since usually any protruding clubs would take the full force of an impact by themselves if they were alone. A good trick is using a single golf sock on your irons and putter, also placing them in the same compartments to ensure they’re the same height. I like to think with this trick they’ll all share any damage they’d take preventing any breaks. Another trick I’ve always used over the years is placing “stuffing” or support by the club heads. Things like golf towels or a blanket can provide great support for the case while preventing the clubs from damaging each other. Be careful not to over-pack this area, and place some extra padding above the shorter clubs to give support to the taller ones.

What About the Actual Flight?

So to simplify things there are some assumptions that are almost always the case, and the small variations are easy to account for. First is that golf bags are ALWAYS considered “oversize” luggage. This means you always have to check it in, and when picking it up you may have to search for the oversize luggage retrieval counter . Second is the weight limit that is usually 50 lbs, meaning I’m prepared for an overweight fine. A good trick is if your bag is near the 50 lbs mark, you can place some accessories into your other luggage, if you check in two bags below 50 lbs you’ll only pay the extra luggage fine, and avoid overweight charges. Things can get pretty complicated if you need to take clothing, shoes, gear, and accessories to top it off, so keep an eye on the weight distribution and make good use of your onboard luggage.

How much weight can you carry on a golf club?

Most airlines treat golf clubs as standard luggage, meaning there’s a weight limit (usually 50 pounds) but no oversize baggage fee. If your clubs go missing, the carrier will replace them (just be prepared to deal with paperwork and, in all likelihood, long hold times on calls should you need additional assistance).

What is the best way to protect your sticks from airline damage?

When it comes to safeguarding your sticks from airline damage, a high-quality travel bag is your first and best line of defense. But there are many other simple, protective steps. A stiff-arm, for instance, adds vertical strength to a travel bag, protecting your clubs from all kinds of stress. In the absence of the real thing, a sturdy broomstick or telescoping ski pole can serve as a stand in.

Can you take a direct flight with golf clubs?

It’s hard to say which is more frustrating: missing your connection, or making it to your destination without a hitch only to find that your clubs didn’t. The best way to avoid both of these risks is to take a direct flight, if you’ve got that option. It will almost certainly cost more. But paying extra can save you all kinds of headaches, as golf clubs are among the most likely items to be left behind on a tight connection, especially on a small regional flight.

Can you take clubs off before you go on a trip?

Speaking of those clubs, not only are many of the heads adjustable these days but they are also removable. If you’ve got the time and inclination, you could always remove them before your trip and stash them in your carry-on.

Is traveling with clubs stressful?

Traveling with clubs can be stressful. Here's how to ease your concerns.

Can you replace a golf club in your bag?

A lucky coin. A vintage head cover. A filled-in scorecard from a round you played on a bucket-list course. If you’re traveling with a golf item you couldn’t stand to lose, keep it with you in your carry-on luggage instead.

How much weight can you carry in a golf bag?

Without a golf bag you can add more goodies to your golf bag. Most airlines allow at least 40 lbs or 50 lbs of weight for over sized luggage. A typical bag and full set of clubs would be about 22 lbs leaving you with the ability to add more stuff for your epic trip.

Where to put irons in golf bag?

This gives added protection from impact to the top and side of the bags. Put the rest of the irons and putter on the outside pockets. The tall clubs will be in the middle.

Why use a golf bag?

Using only a regular golf bag provides less padding or even a hard shell to protect your golf clubs. If the bag were to be hit by an irate luggage attendant, the clubs or bag stands may snap. 2. Bag Damage. A regular golf bag would be directly exposed to conveyor belts and the elements.

What to wear with rain cover on golf clubs?

With the rain cover on but unzipped intertwine additional clothing like shorts and lighter shirts among the club heads giving the clubs even more padding from unsuspecting blows. Now your carry on is getting even lighter.

What does it mean to own a travel bag?

Owning a travel bag means it needs to be stored at your house/rental and in the hotel/rental on your trip. This can be a pain! 4. Space Savings. Eliminating that extra container means a lighter carry and a much easier piece of luggage to load and unload into your vehicle.

How to protect your driver from a club?

Put your longest iron against your driver leaving the club head cover on the driver. Using packing tape, tape them together with the iron slightly above the driver head. This helps protect your driver especially if you have steel shafts in your irons. See the picture below.

Can you tape up a golf bag?

Once you bag is fully packed and padded it is an option to tape up any loose straps or zippers at your discretion. Take it easy on the tape you may be spending more on tape than a golf travel bag is worth.

How Much Does It Cost To Check a Golf Bag on a Plane?

For starters, most airlines consider golf bags as “oversized luggage.” That said, the cost to check a golf bag on a plane varies between airlines. However, the price is typically somewhere between $50 and $150, depending on weight. That's why many golfers prefer shipping their bags ahead of time since it's cheaper and safer.

Conclusion

Fewer things in life are more enjoyable than taking a golf trip and playing on an entirely new course. However, your “care-free getaway” can quickly become a nightmare if you don't pack your clubs properly. Fortunately, the tips above will reduce your chances of breaking your clubs while in transit.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9