As much as possible, fly direct when you are bringing golf clubs on a plane. It can be more expensive, but the cost is justifiable. It is not only fast and convenient, but it also minimizes the chances of losing your golf clubs. There have been many nightmare stories from people who lost their golf clubs on a flight.
How do you 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.
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 to keep your golf clubs safe when traveling?
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. The first – and most obvious – is that it will protect your golf clubs from getting scratched, scraped, scuffed, or snapped during transport.
How do I check my golf bag on a plane?
Check in your bag at the ticket counter. In most cases, since golf bags are considered a piece of checked baggage, your golf bag can be checked at the normal ticket counter with the rest of your luggage. However, given that golf bags can be fairly bulky items, they may have to be checked in in an area specifically for over-sized items.
How do you travel with air in golf clubs?
Here are some of their best tips:Try 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...•
Do you need a special bag to fly with 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).
Can you carry-on golf clubs on a plane?
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.
Do golf clubs get damaged when flying?
But if you decide to travel with your own set, you want to always prepare for the worst (i.e. having your clubs lost, stolen or damaged). 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.
Do airlines charge for golf bags?
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. Fly a high fee airline like Spirit, which charges $55 for a second checked bag at the airport, and you are probably going to save money by shipping.
Is a golf bag considered oversized?
Golfing bags measuring more than 62 total linear inches (158 centimeters) (length + width + height) that contain golf equipment won't be subject to any applicable service charges for oversized checked bags. However, charges for overweight bags are applicable.
Can you fly with golf balls?
The TSA state that you are allowed to bring golf balls on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags. There is no specified limit to how many golf balls you can bring with you, which is good news if you're like us and tend to lose at least a couple a round.
Can you check a soft golf bag?
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 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.
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.
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.
Where to check in golf bag?
Check in your bag at the ticket counter. In most cases, since golf bags are considered a piece of checked baggage, your golf bag can be checked at the normal ticket counter with the rest of your luggage.
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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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 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.
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.
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.
Can you fly with golf clubs without a travel bag?
Spread the love. You love to travel and would love to take your clubs on the plane, but don’t know if you need or want a golf travel bag. In this article you will find the benefits, risks, and a guide to help you bring your beloved sticks on your next trip. Flying with golf clubs without a travel bag is definitely an option ...
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 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.
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.
Can you bring a golf club on an airplane?
You can not bring a golf club on board an airplane. According to the TSA website, clubs are prohibited on board as a carry on item. But you can bring your clubs with you as part of your checked baggage.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
