Flying with golf clubs may appear to be a hassle, but it is actually rather simple if you take the appropriate approach. If you are traveling with golf clubs, you should first verify the airline’s regulations.
Some airlines will take golf clubs as your only permitted carry-on bag if they fit within the weight restrictions. Others will levy a premium airline baggage fee if golf clubs are included in the category of sporting equipment.
Then, depending on the airline, you may be charged a fee for bringing golf clubs, which will be added to your cost. When it comes to golf club carriage, be sure you are getting the greatest value available on the route you are taking.
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How do you check golf clubs on a plane?
You must always be on the lookout for risk. When flying, you may encounter unhelpful airline personnel, making communication difficult if your golf equipment is broken.
Although the airline is required to compensate for damage caused by the use of hard luggage, they may initially reject it. They may claim that the products were damaged prior to the flight, accusing you of sabotage. This has happened several times with people who have traveled with their clubs.
That is why we have come up with tips to help deal with this:
- Before flying, take a picture of the clubs. This would show that you did not put goods in the bag that were already damaged.
- You can take it a step further by opening the suitcase and filming a video at the airport.
The airline’s management can no longer object because you have sufficient proof.
How to pack your golf clubs for a flight
1. Purchase a golf travel bag
Investing in a good golf travel bag is the best method to ensure that your clubs are protected while traveling to a golf destination.
This accomplishes two goals:
- The first is that it will prevent your golf clubs from being damaged, scraped, scuffed, or snapped while being transported.
- Many airlines will not compensate you for damage to your clubs if they are not placed in a golf travel bag.
Which is better: a hard case or a soft case?
Golf Travel Bags with Hard Sides – These are the safest alternative and provide the most protection for your clubs. On the other hand, hard-sided carrying cases are more expensive in exchange for this protection.
Soft-sided Golf Travel Bags — This alternative combines adequate protection with a reasonable price. However, although they will still be a durable travel bag, keep in mind that most airlines will not compensate you if your clubs are damaged while being transported in soft-sided cases.
2. Remove the straps from the golf bag legs and tape them to the bag
If you have a cart bag, this does not apply to you, and you can proceed to the next stage. If you have a carry bag with straps and legs, however, you should perform the following:
Tape the bag legs together
You never know when your golf bag’s legs will expand. They may become entangled and bend as a result of this. To prevent this, tie a single strip of tape across the center of your golf bag, preventing the legs from extending. You can also choose to use an extra belt instead of tape if you have one.
Carrying straps should be removed
This is especially critical if you do not have a golf club carrying case with you. For luggage handlers, your bag’s straps might be a nightmare. They can become entangled in other bags and cause issues. If you check your golf bag, you will almost certainly be asked to remove your clubs. Take them off ahead of time so you do not have to wait in the airport luggage queue.
3. Club heads must be removed
The spot where the clubhead meets the shaft is frequently where golf clubs break. Fortunately, most current drivers and woods have easily removable clubheads, greatly minimizing the odds of this happening.
Before you pack golf clubs you should remove the clubheads with a club tool, place them inside their headcovers, and store them in a bag compartment. Simply remember to bring your clubhead tool if you do this. The last thing you want is to go on the course and discover that you cannot reattach them.
4. Cover irons
It is usually the driver or woodlands that break during a flight. This is partly due to the fact that they are the longest clubs, and partly due to the fact that they have graphite shafts. The clubheads of your irons, on the other hand, can quickly be scratched if they are not properly covered. It is for this reason that it is a good idea to make sure they are protected. You can do this with a couple of pairs of old socks or even some that you want to wear on your trip.
5. Protect the shafts by taping or seperators
One twig can easily be snapped in half. It becomes considerably more difficult when you have a bundle of 14 twigs. The same can be said for your club shafts. Tape them together to get the most out of their combined strength. If your golf bag has spacious pockets for your clubs, this works best. If you have a 14-pocket bag, however, you may wish to tape them together in groups of two or three, maybe also with a bit of bubble wrap. Alterntaivly use specialist packing to protect your golf club shafts while traveling.
6. Fill up any available space with clothes
This is a fantastic hack for two reasons. To begin, placing clothes, golf shoes and your golf towel in your travel case around your golf bag prevents movement inside the case. If they have less area to move about, there is less possibility of them rattling around within the case if baggage handlers are not kind when loading them on the plane. Also means less to pack in your regular suit case to help keep it below the weight limit.
7. Make use of a stiff arm
Because your driver is the longest club in your bag, it usually receives the majority of the collision. Of course, this will not be an issue if you remove your clubheads as previously suggested. However, if you do not have one, a stiff-arm would be a nice idea. A stiff arm is a device that you carry in your golf bag to absorb any vertical impact during transportation.
8. Add a tag on your bag
Luggage is misplaced and that is a proven fact. Many of these, unfortunately, featured golf clubs. If your backpack becomes misplaced, attaching a tag with your complete name, email address, and phone number to it might help boost the odds of it being found.
Flying with golf clubs without a travel bag
You will need to pack your golf clubs in a different type of bag if you are traveling without a bag. Flying does not necessitate the use of a golf travel bag. You can put them in any bag or pack in a cardboard box if you like, as long as it is secure.
However, check the airline prices and regulations first, as some airlines would classify it as an oversized bag. Remember that most airlines allow up to 50 pounds, but some budget carriers only allow 40. when you’d consider all the weight (golf balls actually add up pretty fast) it is likely to be heavy.
There are four reasons why you should fly without a travel bag:
- Save money: Obviously, buying a golf travel bag is the most cost-effective option.
- It is heavy: Some travel bags are bulky.
- More Space: An extra travel bag takes up more space in your car, plane, or hotel.
- Inconvenient: If you do not need it, you do not want to carry an extra bag.
How about golf club travel bag rental?
Travelers can rent golf travel bags from a variety of companies. This option is suitable for golfers who do not travel frequently. Rather than purchasing an expensive travel bag to safeguard your clubs, you can just rent high quality travel bag from a company like rentluggage.com for a one-time price.
FAQ section
Can you bring a golf club on a plane?
No. A single golf club is not permitted onboard an airliner. Clubs are prohibited as carry-on items, according to the TSA website. But you can bring your clubs with you as part of your checked baggage and make sure it is adequately protected. It is always recommended to contact your airline first to confirm their carry-on and checked luggage requirements as it varies depending on the airline.
Can you bring a golf rangefinder on a plane?
Yes, but is a delicate and pricey instrument that you should take care of so be sure to take it in your carry-on luggage rather than any checked baggage. Also, ifit has features like GPS, be sure it is powered off.
How much does it cost to bring golf clubs on a plane?
The fees you may be charged for traveling with your clubs will vary according to the airline but most airlines in the United States charge $35 for a second bag, which includes your golf clubs. If you need to check the third bag, many airlines will charge you substantially extra, between $75 and $150. As long as golf bags are within weight limits, there is no additional charge or oversized cost. To avoid any unpleasant surprises when you arrive for your flight, check your airline’s website for particular instructions on sporting baggage before you travel.
Do golf clubs fly free on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. Southwest Airlines is fantastic for a variety of reasons, including excellent service, reasonable fares, and the best feature for golfers, no checked baggage costs. You can check your golf bag for free and use it as a carry-on or check another bag. Other airlines charge $25-$50 for checked bags and sports equipment, they also impose severe weight and size restrictions, making it costly if you are taking numerous sets.
Traveling with golf clubs – final thoughts
While it can be an additional cost to take your own clubs, it must be offset by the cost of renting, and the benefit that we all play better with our own costs.
While a lot of this is pretty common sense, I hope you may have found a few nuggets of advice or reminders to keep your clubs safe next time you are flying wth them.