5 tips for flying with golf clubs
- Carry it on. ' Although you dont have a choice but to check your golf clubs, make an effort to carry-on your other luggage.
- Invest in quality luggage. ' If you think traveling without quality golf club luggage isnt important, youve obviously never been the victim of a broken driver shaft.
- Do the math. ' In some cases, it simply makes more sense to leave the clubs at home. Are you only playing once? ...
- Stay calm. ' If youre a seasoned golf traveler, you know that airline travel is unpredictable. Dont be surprised if you arrive at your destination and your clubs arent there.
- Fly Southwest. ' With policies like open seating, Southwest Airlines is no doubt a maverick in the world of airline travel.
How to travel with your golf clubs?
The first decision you need to make when traveling with your clubs is whether to use a hard or soft travel case. Neither one is perfect, so you have to consider your needs. Soft case: Easier to pack.
Can I bring my golf clubs on an airplane?
Stay calm, and notify the airline of the issue. In most cases, theyll rush your clubs straight to your hotel or golf course. If not, hotels and golf courses are usually so appreciative of your business that theyll work to accommodate you no matter what it takes.
How do you pack golf clubs for shipping?
It's a good idea to put towels and other soft items between the shafts of the clubs in order to prevent them from rattling around. A tightly-packed bag can also prevent clubs from falling out in transit. You can also use bubble wrap to protect your clubs. Using bubble wrap instead of towels may help reduce overall weight.
Can you bring golf balls in your luggage?
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.
How to take golf clubs on a plane?
If you’re bringing your golf clubs on a plane, make sure you wrap them in towels, clothes, or bubble wrap so they don’t knock into each other and break. The heads in particular can easily get damaged in transit. Write your contact information on a tag and attach it to the bag, just in case your clubs get lost or misplaced. When you arrive at the airport, just check your clubs in with the rest of your luggage, since they usually count as checked luggage. However, keep in mind that you may have to pay extra fees if you’re checking other bags and if your clubs are over the normal weight or size allowance. For more tips, including how to collect your golf clubs if they’re not on the normal luggage carousel, read on!
How to keep golf clubs from falling out?
A tightly-packed bag can also prevent clubs from falling out in transit. You can also use bubble wrap to protect your clubs. Using bubble wrap instead of towels may help reduce overall weight. ...
How to get a bag if it is misplaced?
You’ll want to make sure there is something attached to the bag that identifies who it belongs to, and how you can be reached. That way the airline or shipping company will know who to contact if it is misplaced or delayed. Add a luggage tag to the bag.
How much weight can you carry on a checked bag?
Most airlines allow checked bags up to 50 pounds. Fees for going over this limit vary, but they can increase substantially if your bag is even a pound or two overweight. Similarly, your golf bag may incur additional fees if the bag is larger than the baseline dimensions allowed by the airline.
What is the best way to insulate golf clubs?
A sturdy golf bag, such as a plastic or fiberglass case, can insulate your clubs from damage that may occur in the course of travel. However, a hard-shell case may weigh more than a soft-shell, adding to the overall weight of your bag, which in turn can lead to higher checked bag fees.
Why do golf clubs go upside down?
Alternately, some golfers choose to put their clubs in their bag upside-down in order to protect the heads.
Why do you need to pack your golf bag?
Packing your golf bag properly is crucial for minimizing damage to your clubs, as they may bang around as they are transferred from car to airport to plane. It's a good idea to put towels and other soft items between the shafts of the clubs in order to prevent them from rattling around.
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.
Can a rangefinder be stolen?
Bonus Tip: Put your rangefinder in your carry on. Rangefinders are expensive and can very easily be stolen or broken in transit.
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.
How to fly with golf clubs?
How to fly with golf clubs then? – Check the airline policy and don’t try and fudge it, get a decent flight bag and pack the clubheads tightly, allow enough time to check in and get to outsize baggage, say a little prayer and hope to see your beloved sticks in one piece at the other end.
What to check before flying with golf clubs?
If you’re planning to fly with golf clubs, first thing to check is the airline policy.
What happens if you check in your clubs?
Once checked in, it’s likely your clubs will be sent to outsized baggage rather than going straight through with regular luggage.
Why is the process of flying so complicated?
The whole process of flying has become more complicated over the last 18 months because of Covid regulations and varying requirements from country to country.
How to keep clubheads in place?
Use clothing, towels, or similar to wrap tightly around the clubheads, keeping them in place within the flight bag.
Which golf clubs stick up the highest?
At particular risk are the longer clubs – the driver and woods which stick up out of the bag highest.
Can you dodge a surcharge at check in?
It might be tempting to try to dodge a surcharge with the hope that you’ll sneak your clubs through at check in… It won’t work and will only cost you time and possibly more money as extra charges can often ramp up the closer you get to the flight time.
Can golf clubs go through airport security?
Taking golf clubs on the security checkpoint are prohibited by the TSA , you golf clubs be go on your checked baggage.
Is It Safe To Fly With Your Golf Clubs?
Yes, it is safe to fly with your golf clubs on airlines, but as checked baggage, if they are protected well.
Can you lock golf bag when flying?
Yes, you can lock your golf bag when flying; however, your golf bag may need to be checked at the security checkpoint with the TSA agent.
How Do You Check Golf Clubs On A Plane?
There is a huge argue about the efficiency of soft travel golf bags and hard travel golf bags in the durability and protection.
How to fly with golf clubs?
So, if youre like a lot of people and you cant leave home without them, here are five tips for flying with golf clubs. 1.Carry it on ' Although you dont have a choice but to check your golf clubs, make an effort to carry-on your other luggage. If you have to, take a few items you'd normally check separately and stuff them into your golf bag.
Is golf unique to other sports?
Golf is unique to other sports in a lot of ways, including its ability to get us to fly to play it. From the hassle of hauling them around, to the cash we dole out just to bring them along, flying with golf clubs can be about as frustrating as five-putting.
How to ship golf clubs?
If you do decide to ship your golf clubs make sure to follow these inside tips to help reduce the chances of potential damage: 1 Never, under any circumstance attempt to make a box for your clubs out of multiple boxes. Doing something like this is not safe for the clubs and may result in damage. 2 Before placing them in the shipping box, make sure the clubheads are well wrapped with bubble wrap. 3 After they are wrapped up and placed into their box, make sure the box itself is evenly weighted and not top heavy due to the heads of your clubs. Old newspaper should do the trick when trying to even out the weight of the box. This paper will also serve the purpose of keeping your clubs in the same place throughout the whole trip. 4 Finally, to insure that no outside liquids are able go get inside the box by closing any openings that may exist with packing tape.
What to do after wrapping golf clubs?
After they are wrapped up and placed into their box, make sure the box itself is evenly weighted and not top heavy due to the heads of your clubs. Old newspaper should do the trick when trying to even out the weight of the box. This paper will also serve the purpose of keeping your clubs in the same place throughout the whole trip.
How to insure that no outside liquids are able to go inside the box?
Finally, to insure that no outside liquids are able go get inside the box by closing any openings that may exist with packing tape.
What is a soft case for golf clubs?
Soft cases are also, by their nature, more durable over the long haul, and a good soft case can be re-used year after year.
Can you make a box for your golf clubs?
Never, under any circumstance attempt to make a box for your clubs out of multiple boxes. Doing something like this is not safe for the clubs and may result in damage.
Can you carry clubs in a hard case?
The Last Bag by Club Glove. While hard cases will carry your clubs, they are usually not the best option. Hard shell cases do not provide any “give” which often allows them to crack easily (especially when being thrown around an airport or into and out of car trunks).
Can you ship golf clubs to Hawaii?
Shipping golf clubs in the manner certainly has it’s appeal. After all, who wants to lug a carry bag along on a 12 hour, multiple transfer flight from New York to Hawaii? Certainly not us. However, when shipping golf clubs there are always a few extra logistical decisions to be made. For example, it’s wise to call ahead to the course or resourt where you’ll be travelling to find out how they accept shipments. Chances are they’re used to this type of thing and can help guide you through the process. You’ll also want to make sure you time your shipment properly. You can calculate shipping times on most carrier’s websites. Use this calculation to ship your clubs enough days in advance that they get there in time for your arrival (but not too soon that they’re left sitting around and possibly getting lost or damaged).
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 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.
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.
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.
How many different golf bags are there?
Now days there are literally hundreds of different styled golf bags that can perform many different functions.
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.
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