Flying With Golf Clubs: What You Need To Know 

If you are a golfer who loves to travel, you may be wondering if it’s possible to bring your golf clubs with you on the plane and how much it will cost you. The answer depends on the airline and the type of ticket you have purchased. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the rules and regulations that apply when flying with golf clubs. 

Golf Bag Size Restrictions 

First and foremost, check with your airline before bringing your golf clubs. Most airlines have size restrictions for checked bags, including those containing sporting equipment like golf clubs. Generally speaking, a set of golf clubs can't exceed 62 inches, which shouldn’t be a problem for most golf clubs. This includes any travel case or bag that it's in. If your set of clubs is too large, you'll need to check them at the gate as oversized baggage and pay any applicable fees. 

Golf Bag TSA Rules 

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that all checked baggage be screened for security purposes. Be sure to pack your golf clubs in a hard-shell case so that they don't get damaged during the screening process. When checking in your golf clubs, make sure they're clearly labeled with name tags and contact information so that they can easily be identified if misplaced during transit. Even better, throw an Apple AirTag into your golf bag so you always know exactly where your clubs are in case they ever go missing or get stolen. 

Overweight Baggage Fees 

Airlines often charge passengers an overweight fee for bags weighing more than 50 pounds (or 70 pounds for international flights). Be aware that most sets of golf clubs weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 pounds—sometimes even more—so make sure to double-check the weight restrictions before packing yours up for the trip! Many airlines will waive overweight fees if the bag contains sports equipment; just make sure to ask in advance if this is something available on your flight.

Airline Fees For Golf Bags

Here are the fees a few of the major airlines charge for a golf bag:

Southwest: Free

Delta: $30

American: $30

United: $35     

For avid golfers who travel often, navigating airline rules and regulations around carrying golf clubs can seem daunting at first glance! Rest assured though; as long as you measure twice and plan ahead, taking your beloved set of irons along on vacation is totally doable—and well worth it! Make sure to research size restrictions, check-in procedures, TSA guidelines, and extra baggage fees beforehand so that there are no surprises when you reach the airport! Happy travels!