Golf Travel, Golf Travel Hints, Golf Travel Advice, Golf Travel Tips

Traveling With Golf Clubs

Welcome to Golf Travel Hints.com. This site was created to provide a resource for information about traveling with golf clubs. Here you will find information about golf travel bags, golf travel tips, airline information, and helpful golf travel advice. We have also included general airline travel information to help your golf vacation go smoothly. While we make every attempt to keep this information updated, it doesn't hurt to contact your airline before departure to make sure if you are traveling by air. We have provided a link to a directory of airlines below! One necessity of virtually any style of golf travel is a quality golf travel bag.


Golf Travel Bags

Packing your golf bags and golf cart into the back of your SUV, or into the trunk of your car, and heading to your local golf course is simple and routine. However, traveling long distances with your golf clubs is another matter.

When you have traveled a long way to reach a golf course, you don't want your initial tee shot to land in the trees because your favorite Cobra driver was damaged and you don't want to miss your first putt because your good-luck putter was tweaked on the trip.

Whether you are traveling by air or driving a long way by car, you need to purchase a golf travel bag. Although cars aren't notoriously hard on golf bags, it's easy to be careless when you are tired and your car is packed full of luggage. If you go by air, instead of car, you are pretty much guaranteed that your luggage- including your golf clubs will be thrown around and handled roughly. This is not a cause for concern, IF you are prepared!

Kinds of Golf Travel Bags

The major types of golf travel bags are soft shell, hard shell, and hybrid. Many of them have wheels so you don't have to carry them.

Soft Shell


These bags are usually soft and padded. You can unzip them, put your regular golf bag inside, and have extra pockets for storing golf gear. They are lighter, more flexible, and often less expensive than the other kinds of travel bags.
Soft shell case's light weight and inexpensive price make them great for automobile travel. Due to the nature of air travel, and airline restrictions they are not recommended for airline travel. Soft shell bags are available with, or without wheels

You can learn more about, or purchase soft golf travel bags here!


Hard Shell

Hard shell bags are usually large and made of high impact plastic, polypropylene, or a similar material. You can usually put your golf bag inside. Hard shell bags open like a coffin, and are often referred to as coffin cases.
Coffin cases typically offer the very best protection (most are literally bullet proof. )

However, beware during air travel as their size and weight can reach the limits of many airline baggage restrictions and you may incur an additional baggage charge. They also can be a challenge to fit inside of a taxi, or small rental car.

If you opt for an hard shell case, we highly recommend wheels, due to the weight of the case, your golf bag, and your equipment!

You can find the HardsideŽ Hard Shell Golf Case (pictured to the right) here.

 

Hybrid Golf Travel Bags

Hybrid golf travel bags are the newest addition to the golf travel world. For many, they offer the best of both worlds for airline travel. The Hybrid bag is designed to not only be a "hard shell" case providing the protection needed to avoid signing a damage waiver, but also to serve as your golf cart or carry bag on the golf course.

Hybrid golf travel bags have a soft outer skin and a hard inner core. The core is usually a tube of high impact plastic, polypropylene, or similar material. The soft cover usually has pockets to store your golf accessories. Sometimes the soft cover is removable.
At first glance you may not even realize that a hybrid bag is a golf travel bag. Its appearance suggests it is simply of golf cart or carry bag. Only a close examination will reveal its nature.

The only real disadvantage to the Hybrid bag is the cost. They tend to start at over $100. But if you can swallow the investment, they are the simplest solution to the golf travel challenge. They are relatively light weight, provide ample protection for your clubs, and meet any airline guideline that we know of for size and weight, meaning you won't incur any additional baggage charges (see details for many airlines below).

There are a variety of hybrid travel bags available on the market, each with its own unique features. Learn more.

Headcovers

Other essential tools during golf travel are headcovers. A good golf travel bag will keep your clubs from being bent, or broken. But only headcovers will keep them from getting scratched, or dinged. Whether traveling by ground or air, your clubs will inevitably clang together, potentially scarring or sratching your expensive clubheads and graphite shafts. We recommend CoverUpz brand Neoprene headcovers for several reasons. One reason is space. Space and weight are always at a premium while traveling. CoverUpz offer great protection for your clubs while taking the most minimal amount of space possible in your travel bag. Also CoverUpz patented velcro closure keeps them on your clubs while they are being bounced around. Finally, since they are made of druable Neoprene, they won't tear, or rip while traveling. You can find CoverUpz for woods, irons, putters, and utility clubs here!

If there is one rule that sums up golf travel, particularly by air, its "over-protect." Err on the side of caution!



Your Perfect Golf Travel Bag

You have important decisions to make before you decide which kind of golf travel bag is best for you. Your golf travel bag decisions include such things as how often you are likely to travel by air or by car, and how much weight you will be carrying.

If you are going to travel by car with your family, you may find that a soft bag is best for you. You can easily pack other items around it because of its flexibility, but that same flexibility can lead to golf club damage if you, or one of your kids, pushes too hard, or a hard item shifts while you are driving.

Your golf clubs have a much rougher trip if they are part of your checked baggage on an airplane. Your golf travel bag will be thrown around and heavy baggage will often be set on top of it. Airplane vibration and rough weather can add to golf bag stress. Most airlines will make you sign a damage waiver if you travel with a soft shell bag. You need a hard shell or good hybrid golf travel bag if you plan to fly. Consider these points when choosing a golf bag for air travel.

  • Be sure to ask about the weight rating of a golf bag if traveling by air. This is the amount of direct pressure a bag can handle without crushing or cracking. It should be able to withstand at least 500 pounds of direct pressure.

  • Make sure the method for closing the bag will comply with TSA requirements. Basically, make sure it can latch securely WITHOUT locking. TSA requires that checked luggage be available for a physical search, so you don't want a busted lock or to find out that your bags didn't make it on the plane.

  • Another important decision has to do with size. Most airlines allow you to substitute a golf bag for one of your checked bags at no extra cost. Hybrid bags are generally allowed in place of one piece of lugguage without an additional charge. Be prepared for the possibility of an upcharge if you opt for a Hardsided coffin case.

  • Research the warranty on the golf travel bag you choose. Airline abuse is common for all luggage. Some golf travel bags offer warranties that protect you partially from airline damage. One of our favorites- the Cargo Golf Pro Series Hybrid Bag- features a lifetime warranty that even covers repairs for damage done (to the bag) by airlines!


    Understanding Government, Airline, and Airport Travel Rules

    Airport Security

    The luggage and items you bring can make your golfing holiday great or miserable. That is why it is important to understand the rules and the 'real world' of travel. Those of you who frequently travel by air will understand most of the rules, but those of you who haven't traveled by air for a while may feel overwhelmed. If you feel nervous and overwhelmed, don't worry. A little research and preparation can make your flight and golf holiday a wonderful experience.

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific regulations and guidelines about baggage, allowed items, screening procedures, and much more.

    Within those guidelines and regulations, each airline company has its own rules and guidelines. As an example, airline companies charge extra for oversized or overweight baggage, but the allowed weight and 'rule bending' varies with the company. Most airline companies don't charge extra for standard golf bags that are oversized, as long the weight is within limits.

    Airports also have their own rules and guidelines within the TSA framework. The screening treatment you receive is supposed to be universal, but varies somewhat from airport to airport because of different management styles. There is also a good chance that your screening may vary at the same airport, depending on the time of day and what crew is doing the screening.

    Both waiting lines and waiting periods are longer than they used to be before 9/11. It is often difficult for travelers, but it is also difficult for the airline, airport, and security personnel. Make sure you get there early.

    Airport security sounds intimidating, but understanding a few of the rules will make things go smoothly.

    Allowed and Prohibited Items

    Be sure not to put prohibited items, such as scissors, knives, and razor blades in your carry-on baggage. They will be confiscated and if a screener has had a tough day, it could be a lot worse. Believe it or not, it is illegal to bring a prohibited item through the Passenger Check Point, even accidentally.

    Although prohibited items can't go through the passenger screening checkpoints, many of these items are permitted as part of your checked baggage. The TSA has guidelines and other information at their website, http://www.tsa.gov/public. It has a list of prohibited items and much more. Be sure and check the TSA website before you pack because there are frequent changes.

    Airline Rules- Carry-on Baggage

    In the post 9/11 travel world, golf clubs are no longer permitted as carry-on luggage on any commercial airline.

    Airline passengers on all flights are limited to one carry-on bag and one small personal item, such as a purse, laptop computer, or briefcase. The carry-on bag shouldn't be larger than 22" X 14" X 9" or heavier than 40 lbs. Both of your carry-on items must be able to fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment.

    Your film and camera should be stored in your carry-on baggage instead of your checked baggage. The carry-on x-ray machine usually won't harm your film unless it passes through the screening x-ray several times. On the other hand, the checked baggage x-ray machine is more powerful and will damage your film on a single pass. If you have enough time, a better option is to purchase your film after you reach your destination and have it developed before you go back through airport security.

    Check the contents of your carry-on bag carefully to make sure there are no banned items left in a pocket or stuck in a crease.

    If you have a laptop or any personal electronic gadgets, the screeners will want to see them turned on to ensure they aren't fake. Make sure your batteries work.

    Checked Baggage

    Most airline companies allow two pieces of checked baggage per passenger at no additional cost. Each piece of checked luggage can have a maximum linear length of 62" (height + width + length). The maximum weight varies from 50 lbs to 70 lbs, depending on which airline company you use. Most airlines allow a maximum of 70 lbs on international flights. If your baggage is larger or heavier than the airline company's specifications, you may be charged accordingly.

    This is where 'rule bending' comes in. Although the linear length of some travel golf bags exceeds the airline limits, most airlines won't charge extra for your golf bags, as long as they are not also overweight. Most airlines won't even take soft golf bags unless you sign a damage waiver.

    Be sure to call your airlines and ask about their specific rules. Airline companies are in a time of great flux and rules may change at any time.

    Once you have packed your checked baggage, it is an excellent idea to weigh the baggage before you go to the airport. That way, there won't be any surprises when you check in.

    Clean your golf clubs thoroughly. Dirty golf clubs can sometimes set off the baggage scanner.

    Check your bag carefully for packaged food or that pocket knife you stashed away. Leave out items such as divot tools. Many TSA officials will have no idea it isn't some sort of weapon, and you don't need unnecessary delays.

    Airport -Checking In

    Check in at least two hours in advance for national flights and at least three hours in advance for international flights.

    Be sure that each passenger over 17 has a photo ID issued by the federal, state, or local government. A driver's license is usually acceptable. If you anticipate frequent trips or international trips (even to Canada), it is best to have a valid passport. If your kids are traveling with you, it is a good idea to carry a copy of their birth certificate, as well as other acceptable documentation.

    Have your boarding pass ready because tickets and confirmation slips may not be sufficient documentation.

    Keep your boarding pass and ID cards handy because you may have to show them several times.

    Passenger Security Checkpoint

    This checkpoint separates the main terminal area from the airline departure gates. Your carry-on luggage, as well as your person, will be checked. You will have to show your boarding pass or two other approved forms of identification.

    If you set off the alarm when you walk through the metal detector, you will have to undergo a second screening. If you accidentally bring a banned item through the checkpoint, the item will be confiscated and you can be detained, or even arrested. Be sure of what is in your pockets. If you think your shoes may set off the alarm, take them off and have the screeners check them separately.

    Don't wear Levis, or any clothes with metal buttons because the metal will set off the alarm.

    For women, don't wear an underwire bra because it will set off the alarm.

    The x-ray metal detecting equipment at the security checkpoint hasn't changed much since 9/11, but the screening procedure is a lot stricter.

    Checked baggage is also screened by x-ray machines. These machines are more powerful and will damage your rolls of film. They use CT scan technology that takes precise 3-D images of objects in your baggage. The machine's computer compares the density characteristics of those objects with the density characteristics of explosives. Since it cannot tell anything about the chemistry of objects in your baggage, it sometimes gives a false positive. TSA asks you not to put food in your checked baggage because simple items like cheese, candy, and jam can set off the alarm.

    Be careful of what you put in your checked baggage and don't lock it. If the checking system senses the characteristics of an explosive, even if it's the chocolate you forgot to take out of your jacket pocket, it will sound an alarm. Inspectors will open your baggage and paw through it. If this is the thirteenth time on the shift that the alarm has gone off, the inspectors may not be very careful when they remove your lock.

    Put Identification tags on both the outside and inside of your checked baggage.

    Make sure that you have a claim check for each peace of baggage.

    Airline Companies

    There are many airline companies with varying rules and policies. A few of the larger airlines are listed below. Click on their links to see what kind of travel deals you can get. You can also check their baggage and golf bag rules. Checking local airlines in your area may also yield a good deal for you. Have fun on your golf holiday.

    Don't see your airline listed below? Go to http://www.airlinecontact.info/ and search for your airline. You will find contact information to ask them about their policies.

    Air Canada
    http://www.aircanada.ca/e-home.html
    A golf bag containing no more than 14 clubs, 12 golf balls and one pair of golf shoes. The bag and clubs must be fully enclosed in a hard shell container specifically designed for shipping. If otherwise packaged, the item(s) will only be accepted with a limited release form (to be signed at check-in), releasing Air Canada of liability.

    Air Tran
    http://www.airtran.com/
    AirTran Airways transports sporting equipment such as skis, bicycles and surfboards at a nominal charge. There is no charge for golf clubs. Contact AirTran Airways Reservations at 800-AIR-TRAN or at 770-994-8258 in Atlanta for more information

    Alaska Airlines
    http://www.alaskaair.com/
    Some sporting equipment (snow skis, golf clubs), may be checked in lieu of one piece of luggage, if packaged in a suitable container. Sporting equipment checked in addition to the free baggage allowance is charged an excess fee. There is a fee charged in all situations for some equipment (surfboards, scuba gear). For details about allowances and fees for specific sporting equipment
    http://www.alaskaair.com/www2/help/faqs/CheckedBaggage.asp

    American Airlines
    http://www.aa.com
    The following items are free in place of one of the 62in/157cm bags within the free baggage allowance:
    ˇ Archery
    ˇ Backpack
    ˇ Bicycle (if within 50 lbs/32 kgs and 62 in/157 cm)
    ˇ Boogie/Knee board
    ˇ Bowling equipment (bowling case with up to three bowling balls and shoes)
    ˇ Fishing equipment (2 rods, reel, net, tackle box and 1 pair of boots)
    ˇ Golf equipment (1 bag, 14 clubs, 12 balls and 1 pair of shoes contained in a self-provided travel bag or box) is not subject to the $25 charge for baggage weighing over 50lbs. but no more than 70lbs
    ˇ Hockey/Lacrosse stick
    ˇ Shooting equipment
    ˇ Skateboard
    ˇ Ski equipment (1 pair of skis, poles, boots, and bindings. These items will count as 1 item.)
    ˇ Snowboard

    American Trans Air
    http://www.ata.com/
    Items of golf equipment ARE included in Free Baggage
    Allowance. One item includes: One golf bag
    containing maximum 14 clubs, 12 golf balls, one pair
    of golf shoes.
    Limited release is required if not packed within a
    hard sided container or case designed for shipping.

    America West Airlines
    http://www.americawest.com
    Golf equipment will be accepted in the normal free baggage allowance in lieu of a piece of baggage. One item of golf equipment consists of:
    ˇ One golf bag, containing no more than 14 golf clubs
    ˇ 12 golf balls
    ˇ One pair of golf shoes
    A pull cart may be included if it is attached to the golf bag. Golf equipment should be enclosed with a cover to prevent loss of contents. Hard sided carriers are recommended.

    Continental Airlines
    http://www.continental.com/
    Continental accepts one item of golf equipment per customer in lieu of one piece of free baggage.
    An item of golf equipment consists of:
    ˇ 1 golf bag containing not more than 14 golf clubs
    ˇ 12 golf balls
    ˇ 1 pair golf shoes.
    All items must be properly encased in a suitable container. The golf bag must be covered or enclosed in a heavy, rigid carrying case. Continental shall not be liable for golf equipment presented without a carrying case.
    Continental is not liable for damage to Golf Equipment that is not contained in a hard-sided case.
    Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Golf Equipment that is not contained in a hard-sided case.
    Golf equipment carried in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge.

    Delta Airlines Inc.
    http://www.delta.com/home/index.jsp
    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:
    1. Hard shell golf travel containers - no limited liability release required
    2. 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.

    Frontier
    www.frontierairlines.com
    Golfing EquipmentOne item of golfing equipment is: 1 golf bag containing not more than 20 golf clubs and 1 pair of golf shoes.


    Jet Blue
    www.jetblue.com

    Midwest Airlines
    www.midwestairlines.com
    Sports Equipment:
    The following sports equipment will be accepted free of charge in lieu of one piece of the free baggage allowance:
    o Bowling equipment (including bowling ball, bag and shoes)
    o Fishing equipment(including 1 rod -max. 13 feet,1 reel & 1 small tackle box)
    o Football equipment (including helmet, shoulder pads, etc.)
    o Golfing equipment (including a golf bag)
    o Shooting equipment
    o Boogie boards

    Northwest Airlines - KLM
    http://www.nwa.com/
    Northwest accepts one set of golf equipment as check luggage only. One set of golf equipment consists of:
    ˇ 1 bag
    ˇ 14 clubs
    ˇ 12 balls
    ˇ 1 pair of shoes
    When checking your golf equipment a hard shell case is recommended. When a hard shell case is not used the passenger must sign a liability release form. Passengers traveling with more than one golf bag must pay full normal excess charges for each additional golf bag. Golf bags must adhere to normal weight limits.

    Southwest Airlines
    http://www.southwest.com/
    Golf clubs that are transported in a hard, plastic travel case or a standard club bag are accepted as checked baggage. Golf clubs transported without a hood to cover the clubs, or clubs that are covered with a plastic bag, will be conditionally accepted. Golf equipment includes golf clubs, golf balls, and golf shoes, contained in one bag. Golf clubs are not allowed onboard as carryon items

    Spirit Airlines
    www.spiritair.com
    A. Free Baggage allowance
    For each ticketed passenger, Spirit will transport, as checked baggage free of charge, two (2) bags; the first shall not exceed 62" and the second shall not exceed 55" in overall dimensions (L+W+H). Maximum weight, without charge, for each piece of checked baggage is 70 pounds per bag. An extra charge applies for additional, overweight and/or oversized pieces. In no event will Spirit accept baggage that weighs more than 100 pounds and/or baggage that measure in single dimension more than 80" or combined dimension exceeding 160."
    Special items such as pets, surfboards, bicycles, scuba equipment, and other sporting equipment are not included in the passenger's free baggage allowance and are subject to an extra charge.

    Sun Country Airlines
    www.suncountry.com
    Passengers may check two bags and carry on one, or check all three bags. One item of the following sporting equipment may be carried free of charge as one of your checked baggage items.
    ˇ Fishing Equipment
    One item of fishing equipment is: 2 rods, 1 reel, 1 landing net, 1 pair of fishing boots (properly encased), and 1 fishing tackle box.
    ˇ Golfing Equipment
    One item of golfing equipment is: 1golf bag containing not more than 20 golf clubs and 1 pair of golf shoes

    United Airlines
    http://www.united.com/

    Us Airways
    www.usair.com
    No specific golf club information. Follow restrictions on standard travel bags.
    For each ticketed customer, US Airways will transport free of charge a maximum of three bags:
    ˇ Up to two (2) bags may be checked free of charge ˇ One (1) bag may be transported as carry-on
    Each piece of baggage to be checked without charge cannot exceed a weight of 50 pounds and dimensions of 62 inches, in overall length, width and height. An extra charge applies for additional, overweight, and/or oversized pieces. In no event will US Airways accept baggage that weighs more than 100 pounds and/or baggage that measures in single dimensions more than 72 inches or combined dimensions exceeding 115 inches. Special items such as pets, surfboards, bicycles, scuba equipment, etc. are not included in the customer's free baggage allowance and are subject to an extra charge.Carry-on baggage is limited to one piece per customer, plus a personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop, small backpack, diaper bag or camera case. The personal item cannot exceed total overall dimensions of 36 inches, and the other item of baggage cannot exceed the following maximum dimensions:

    Don't see your airline listed? Go to http://www.airlinecontact.info/ and search for your airline. You will find contact information to ask them about their policies.