Transporting golf clubs when flying.

[Skinsfan]

Hi All!
I've never flown with my clubs and I'm don't want to rent 'em. This spring, I'm taking my clubs. We'll probably fly AirTran, or SW. I'm guessing that the clubs will count as a suitcase. For all of you fellow duffers out there, I'd greatly appreciate any tips, comments or suggestions that you may may have. Thanks!!

 

[ToyStory Fan]

Get either a travel bag or hard-case for them. Don't rely on the plastic "rain hood". I have another friend who actually flips the clubs upside down in his bag (the bottom end is much more sturdy) offering more protection. My clubs are not great, so I just use a soft (heavy duty canvas) travel bag I picked up in Myrtle Beach. If anything happens to them the airline can buy me a set of Callaway X-16's

 

[mcnuss]

Originally posted by ToyStory Fan
Get either a travel bag or hard-case for them.

If you are going to buy a travel bag, get one with wheels. You won't regret it.

And, yes, of course, this will count toward your luggage allowance.

 

[redflannel10]

I just bought my DH a travel bag for Father's Day, so that he can bring his clubs to WDW. If you are a Dad and the family hasn't shopped yet, drop a big hint about a travel bag.

 

[JoEllen]

Another vote for travel bag with wheels. DH and I both take our clubs and wheels make lugging everything alot easier.

We noticed our golf bags were searched on the way down and the return.

 

[LauraLea]

Be careful if you use a hard case and rent a car. 3 of us traveled with 2 sets of clubs and we rented a full-size car. With the luggage we had a very difficult time getting that hard case in the the car. It just took up so much room.

 

[Captain Bram]

Don't be surprised if the airline requires you to sign a "limited release" on your golf clubs, particularly if they are in a soft-sided golf bag. Golf clubs, speaking in general, have a higher incidence of damage than any other form of checked baggage. As a result, most airlines will only limit their liability to actual loss of the clubs, and not to damage. My advice would be to use a hard-sided golf club case as they protect the clubs the best and airlines won't ask you for a release of liability for damage (as the case is very well protective of the contents).

I have seen ramp workers be absolutely brutal with checked luggage. Allowing a soft & flimsy piece of vinyl or leather to protect several hundreds to thousands of dollars for golf clubs is risky to say the least.

But the choice is yours, of course!

 

[alvernon90]

Here are the tips I was told when I was investigating this same question:

1. A soft travel case is fine if it is the right kind (most pros use soft cases). Just be sure that the top of the case is padded, the bottom has both wheels and the hard plastic pad (for scraping it up curbs) and that the inside has tie-down straps attached to the bag.

2. For all of the clubs that don't already have long headcovers, put tube socks over them.

3. Intertwine a towel or two between the clubs to keep them from banging against each other so much.

 

[alexturner74]

This is Delta's policy. I'm sure other airlines are similar but remember to check with them.


Golfing Equipment
One item of golfing equipment is accepted as part of a customer's free baggage allowance. One item of golfing equipment is defined as one or up to all of a combination of the following:

One golf bag containing not more than
14 golf clubs
12 golf balls
one pair of golf shoes
Items in excess of Delta's free bag allowance will be assessed an excess baggage charge.

Customers wishing to check golf clubs have two options:

Hard shell golf travel containers - no limited liability release required

All other golf travel bags (i.e., soft-sided bags) - limited liability release required
The limited liability release absolves Delta of responsibility for pre-existing damage to the clubs, or damage from the normal course of handling.

Delta is offering customers an additional option for protecting their golf equipment, Delta's golf box. The box, which customers may purchase for $10 USD, will accommodate most soft-sided bags. The boxes are available for purchase at Delta's ticket counters.

 

[ozziewags]

We have used both kinds of bags and here is our experience:
First time we used soft bag. It made it to WDW twice, but the last time it came home, it was in shreds. I don't know how the clubs and bag made it home. So then I got DH a hard-sided bag with wheels and it was much better. It is a piece of luggage and will count as such. It is also hard to fit into town cars with your other luggage, but it can be done and is worth it to the duffers!