how to travel with golf clubs on an airplane

5 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.
2. 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.
3. Do the math. ...
4. Stay calm. ...
5. Fly Southwest. ...

Full Answer

Can you take golf clubs on a plane?

Apr 20, 2017 · Here’s my step by step plan: 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... Step Two: Take the heads off all adjustable clubs. Put the heads in their headcovers and store them inside your golf bag... Step Six: Fill all the ...

How often should golfers regrip their clubs?

Apr 30, 2020 · 1. Invest In a Golf Travel Bag. The best way to ensure your clubs will be safe on your journey to a golf destination is to invest in a quality golf travel bag. This serves two purposes – The first – and most obvious – is that it will protect your golf clubs from getting scratched, scraped, scuffed, or snapped during transport. The second reason is a little less clear.

Should golfers push, pull or carry their clubs?

Mar 24, 2022 · If you’re allowed to take your golf bag on the plane with you, you need to fill the pockets. This offers your golf clubs added protection and lightens your carry-on. You can fill the smaller pockets with socks and undergarments, fill the longer side pockets with rolled up pants and shirts, and fill the side pockets with shoes and flip flops.

Do not swing the Golf Club on plane?

The best way to transport your golf clubs on a plane is to prepare them for the hold. Your first job is to order a golf travel case that is big enough for your bag. You can buy these online or from most major golf retailers, and they’re relatively inexpensive.

Can you take your golf clubs on a plane?

Airlines and government agencies prohibit you from taking a single golf club on a plane as hand luggage as it could be used as a weapon. You will therefore have to check in your golf club with the rest of your checked luggage but remember to protect it properly.Aug 17, 2018

How much is it to take golf clubs on a plane?

Most US airlines charge $35 for a second bag, which is what your golf clubs usually are. Many charge much more, $75-$150, if you need to check a third bag.Aug 30, 2013

Can I take golf clubs through airport security?

The Transportation Security Administration, a U.S. federal agency, prohibits golf clubs as carry-on items, according to its website. There are no exceptions, even if your club is a prized antique or has some other special significance.

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.Jul 1, 2019

Do I need a travel bag 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).Oct 7, 2021

Are golf clubs considered checked baggage?

Golf equipment is accepted on all flights. There is no additional charge or oversized fee for golf bags as long as they are within weight limitations. A golf bag will count as one of your checked bags.

Are golf clubs oversized baggage Southwest?

Your golf clubs may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free Checked Baggage allowance at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If your golf clubs exceed 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess weight and size charges may apply.May 28, 2019

How much does a bag of golf clubs weigh?

In general, the average set of golf clubs will weigh around 25-30 pounds. This includes a set of 14 clubs in a standard-sized golf bag. The average golf bag weighs from 3-5 pounds.

Is it better to ship or fly with 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.) Southwest Airlines still costs nothing as long as it's one of your first two checked bags. On other airlines, it's $20-$100 to check bags.Nov 9, 2015

How much does it cost to check in a bag with Spirit airlines?

Spirit Airlines Checked BaggageBaggage TypeDuring Online Check-In (Standard Fare)AirportCarry-On Bag$41$551st Checked Bag$36$502nd Checked Bag$46$603rd-5th Checked Bag$91$100

Can I put clothes in my golf travel bag?

There is often a fair bit of space left inside the travel bag once my golf bag has been inserted, so utilise this by placing a bag of clothes in here. Indeed, some golf travel bags, such as the Big Max Double Decker Travel Cover, come with clothes pockets built in. 3. Use your weight allowances.Jun 16, 2016

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.

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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.

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.

1. Read the fine print

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).

2. Fly direct

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.

4. You can take protective measures

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.

5. You could always ship them

Capitalism isn’t perfect, but it does create a wealth of consumer options. Instead of entrusting your clubs to an airline, you could always ship them to your destination. A number of companies provide this service, along with a guarantee that your clubs will be there waiting for you, without a scratch on them.

How to protect your golf clubs?

The easiest way to to protect your clubs are covering your irons and wedges with towels and socks. If you want to buy additional supplies, you can also buy bubble wrap and wrap each club but it does require more time on your end. If you have expensive shafts, you can also wrap them as well for added protection.

How many clubs are in a golf bag?

This accounts for a complete set of 14 clubs inside your average sized golf bag. A standard golf bag accounts for 3 to 5 pounds of the figure.”. Most airline carriers require that your bags are under 50 pounds but some airlines are even less so it’s important to double check and weigh them at home first.

How much luggage do you need for a flight?

When it comes to actually getting your bag on a flight, you need a dependable travel bag. Most airlines allow bags under 50 pounds which is plenty of room for each club, shoes, and gear. But some discount airlines, such as Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines, only allow bags up to 40 pounds.

What is lugless shipping?

Lugless. Lugless is another option to ship your set directly to your destination. When using Lugless, it’s the same process as Ship Sticks of printing, shipping, and having your clubs meet you at the course or hotel. Since the site ships all luggage, not just clubs, the price are based on your travel destination.

Can you ship golf clubs directly to your destination?

Not to worry, now you can use a third-party for assistance. Since travelling in general is such a hassle with TSA, baggage fees, etc, a few companies created a solution to make it easier for golfers like us. Instead of lugging them in your car and the airport parking garage you can ship directly to your destination.

Can golf clubs be damaged on an airplane?

Airlines regularly lose luggage (including golfers prized possession) and damage can occur to your precious clubs. While this doesn’t happen often, it’s part of the risk of flying. When it comes to traveling with golf gear there are two main goals; get them there safely and make it as cost-effective as possible.

Is a stand bag lighter than a cart bag?

Also, your bag itself can make a difference. If you have a stand bag, it’s usually much lighter than an oversized cart bag. Each set of clubs is different so use a scale at home to weigh your gear so that you can minimize fees at the airport.

How to pack golf clubs for travel?

In this article, we cover 12 helpful tips for packing golf clubs: 1 Invest In a Golf Travel Bag 2 Tape Golf Bag Legs To Bag and Remove Straps 3 Remove Club Heads 4 Cover Irons 5 Tape Together Shafts If Possible 6 Fill Extra space with clothes 7 Pack Golf Devices With Batteries in Carry-on 8 Use a Stiff arm 9 Get a Non-Stop Flight 10 Add a tag to Your bag 11 Consider the Weight 12 What to pack in your golf bag

Why do you need a non stop flight for golf clubs?

Get a Non-Stop Flight. Golf clubs are most vulnerable to damage during the loading and unloading of baggage. By that logic, the less they are handled, the less chance they will have of breaking. That’s why a direct flight is a good idea for those looking to prevent damage to their clubs.

Why do you need a golf bag?

The first – and most obvious – is that it will protect your golf clubs from getting scratched, scraped, scuffed, or snapped during transport. The second reason is a little less clear. Many airlines will not accept responsibility for damages to clubs that are not stored in a golf travel bag.

What is the best type of golf bag?

There are two main types of golf travel bags – hard-sided and soft-sided. Hard-sided Golf Travel Bags – These are the safest option and offer the most protection for your golf clubs. However, in exchange for this protection, hard-sided carrying cases come at a higher cost.

What happens if a golf club breaks during a flight?

If a club breaks during a flight, it’s usually the driver or woods. This is partly because they’re the longest clubs, and partly because they have graphite shafts. In fact, I’ve never seen an iron break during transport.

Can you toss golf clubs in a travel case?

After all, it is a golf trip, so your clubs are kind of important. Just a little. That’s why, unfortunately, you can’t just toss them in a travel case and call it good. No, there are certain things you should do when packing your clubs to make sure they arrive in one piece. Or 14 pieces to be exact.

Can you skip the next step with a cart bag?

If you have a cart bag, this does not apply to you and you can skip to the next step. However, if you have a carry bag with straps and legs, here’s what you should do:

How to travel with golf clubs?

Here are a few tips for traveling with your golf clubs: 1. Prevent Your Golf Clubs from Breaking. As mentioned earlier, use socks and towels for extra protection. If you want to take more measures to protect your golf clubs and prevent them from breaking, wrap each golf club with bubble wrap.

What to do if something happens to your golf clubs during transit?

If something happens to them during transit, you can provide the airline with pictures. When looking at different travel bags for your golf clubs, get a sturdy cart bag instead of a stand bag. Stand bags are thinner and likely to damage your golf clubs when handled and tossed around by baggage handlers.

What is a telescoping shaft?

A telescoping shaft extends to the bottom of your travel bag and sits on top of your golf clubs. If you didn’t buy a hard cover bag and went with a soft cover bag, use a telescoping shaft to ensure your travel bag doesn’t get crunched during transit. 2. Insure Your Golf Clubs.

How to keep irons from bursting on carry-on?

Place your longest iron against your driver without removing their head cover. Use packing tape to tape them together and ensure the iron is above the driver’s head. Do the same with your three or five wood.

Where to put putter and irons in golf bag?

Place the remaining putter and irons on the outside pocket with the tallest golf clubs in the center.

Can you damage a golf bag?

If you decide to forgo using a high-quality golf bag, which you shouldn’t, you risk damaging your golf clubs. If you use a regular travel bag with less padding, there is a chance that when you open your travel bag, you’ll find damaged or broken golf bags. If you intend on taking your travel bag to the golf course, it might sustain damages.

Can you go out on the golf course with a dirty bag?

You don’t want to go out on the golf course with a stained, dirty, and torn bag. A regular travel bag will also be easy to break in to by thieves. Golf clubs are a costly investment, so it’s better to invest in a high quality golf bag that offers maximum security.

How much does a hard shell bag cost?

Get a durable, well-made travel bag. Hard shell bags are more expensive and the best will run around $250. But Schmidt said they’ll give you more protection if you want that peace of mind. If you use a soft-sided bag, don’t forget to pack a golf club protection device.

Can you travel with your golf clubs in 2021?

Tips for Traveling with your Golf Clubs. Published on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Just because you golf often, doesn’t mean you necessarily travel and golf often, at least not on trips that require travel by air. There are more things to consider than you might know, so we asked a few experts to provide some basic and even advanced tips ...

Can you leave golf bags at airports?

Be aware that some airports will send your golf bag through the regular baggage belt (with all of the other luggage) but others (such as Atlanta Hartsfield) will leave at a different location for oversized bags. Add some personal ID marking to your bag.

How to pack golf clubs in a bag?

Here’s what you need to know to pack your clubs effectively in a bag: Remove the club heads from the shafts. This will minimize damage during travel. Be sure to mark where you attached the club head with tape so you can reattach it accurately after your flight. Store the head covers in your golf bag.

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.

What is a stiff arm?

A stiff arm is an extendable handle with a large circular end. Extend this tool longer than the shafts and then set it in your golf bag. If the bag moves around during your flight, the end of the stiff arm will absorb the impact, rather than your clubs. Place your set of clubs in the travel bag.

Can you fly with golf clubs?

Well, flying with golf clubs is possible, but there are many different things to consider before booking your flight. The most crucial thing you can do is research the baggage restrictions of the airline you are flying. In this article, we’ll discuss how to fly with golf clubs, the dos and don’ts of flying with clubs, the best golf travel bag, ...

Can you take a golf putter on an airplane?

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 you overpack golf clubs?

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.

Can you fly with a softside bag?

Although some are fine with softside bags, keep in mind that the airline is not responsible for any damage your bag incurs during the flight. Especially if you will be flying often with your golf clubs, consider investing in a hard shell golf bag.