There are so many wonderful golf courses around the world, but if you’re like most golfers, you probably want to be able to use your own golf equipment, including your own golf clubs, everytime you play a round.
So you might be wondering if you can bring golf clubs on a plane or not.
While, yes, you can bring golf clubs on a plane, you need to know how the process works to avoid running into problems at the airport or having your clubs damaged.
There are a number of things to consider, including the cost, airline polciy, how to best pack your clubs, if you need to be concerned with the weight of your clubs, and more.
The TSA do not allow passengers to bring golf clubs on a plane.
This includes just a single club.
So if you want to only bring your putter on a plane, so you can practice your putting in your hotel room at your destination, you won’t be able to.
Checked Bags
You are allowed to bring your golf clubs on a plane in your checked bags.
As you might have guessed, your golf clubs aren’t going to fit in your suitcase, though.
So how does the process work?
If you want to bring golf clubs on a plane, you have to place them in a carrying case for protection.
Ideally, your clubs should be packed in your golf bag that is then placed within a golf travel bag cover or case.
You can then check the bag in.
Generally, a golf bag counts as a standard item of checked baggage, though this may not be the case with every airline, and overweight or oversized baggage fees may also apply.
Soft and hard golf travel covers are both available, with the latter offering more protection.
Domestic vs. International Flights
Regardless if you’re flying domestically within the USA or internationally, you should have no problem bringing your golf clubs with you on a plane.
After all, most countries in the world have at least one golf course, so airlines realize that passengers will want to fly with their clubs and equipment when visiting.
You will still not be permitted to bring your golf clubs with you in your carry on, but packing the clubs in a golf travel bag and then checking it in will be fine.
The fees to check in your golf bag will vary in each country and by each airline.
Airline Regulations
When bringing golf clubs on a plane, most airlines consider your golf bag to be a standard item of checked baggage, though other air carriers may consider the bag to be sporting equipment.
This means that:
If the golf bag counts as a standard item of checked baggage, oversized or overweight bag fees will apply (in addition to the standard fee the airline charges to check in baggage, if applicable)
If the golf bag counts as sporting equipment, a fee will be charged to check it in that will be in addition to your standard item of checked baggage
Weight restrictions may also vary by airline, so if you exceed the maximum weight allowed, you will have to pay extra.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines accept sports equipment items as checked baggage, provided each piece is properly packed in a soft- or hard-sided case.
Standard checked baggage fees and waivers for oversized or overweight bags apply.
American Airlines
Standard checked bag fees apply for golf bags up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height).
Standard overweight and oversized bag fees apply if this is exceeded.
Delta
A golf bag counts as a standard item of checked baggage.
Golf bags weighing over 50 lbs. will be charged an excess weight fee.
If the bag exceeds 115 linear inches (292 cm), it will not be accepted, but any bags in excess of baggage allowance will be subject to additional or overweight baggage fees.
JetBlue
A golf bag counts as a standard item of checked baggage.
Bags over 51 lbs. and/or 63″ are subject to overweight or oversized bags fees.
Southwest
Your golf bag may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free checked baggage allowance.
Your golf bag should be packed in a hard carrying case.
Overweight or oversized bag fees will apply to golf bags exceeding 50 pounds or 62 inches in size.
United
One golf bag containing one set of golf clubs is accepted as your checked bag.
The golf bag must be covered or enclosed in a heavy, rigid carrying case.
Golf bags measuring more than 62 total linear inches (158 centimeters) won’t be subject to any applicable service charges for oversized checked bags, though charges for overweight bags are applicable.
Bringing Golf Clubs on a Plane is Pretty Cheap
The cost to check a golf bag varies by airline and can also depend on if the bag is your first, second, or even third or fourth bag that you will be checking in.
Generally, most airlines will charge in the region of $20-50 to check in your golf bag if it is your first or second bag.
Your Golf Clubs Will Likely Be Within Weight Restrictions
A full set of golf clubs weigh around 25–30 pounds.
This should be within the maximum weight limits imposed by airlines, even when accounting for the golf bag, travel case, and any additional equipment.
You’ll Need to Pack Your Golf Clubs in a Suitable Bag
Most airlines require you to pack your golf clubs in either a soft or hard travelling case, though a golf bag travel cover designed specifically for your golf clubs will not be required.
Some airlines only allow your golf clubs to be packed in a hard travelling case due to the additional protection they provide.
This is because airlines do not want dissatisfied passengers if the clubs are damaged during handling while in transit.
What is the Best Golf Travel Bag?
The best golf travel bags should offer excellent protection, have plenty of space for your bag and other equipment, and have wheels for ease of transportation.
If you want to purchase a hard golf travel case and want a 100% guarantee that your clubs and equipment have no chance of being damaged in transit, the Samsonite Hard Side Golf Case is comfortably your best option.
The Best Way of Packing Your Golf Clubs
Once you have purchased a golf travel bag case, it’s recommend that you:
Pack your clubs so they won’t move around in the bag
Wrap your clubs, especially your driver, in a towel for additional protection
Add a personal ID marking to your bag
Try to get a non-stop flight to avoid excessive baggage handling
Don’t pack expensive electronics like a rangefinder or GPS in the bag
Consider using a tracking device
Bring Golf Club Heads in Your Carry On
While you are unable to bring your golf clubs on a plane in your carry on, you will usually be allowed to pack golf club heads in your carry on.
However, keep in mind that the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
Can You Bring Golf Balls, Tees, and Shoes on a Plane?
Golf tees may have sharp ends, but this is of no concern to the TSA. So you are allowed to pack golf tees in both your carry on and checked bags.
Golf shoes may be spiked, but again this is of no concern to the TSA. So you can pack your golf shoes in both your carry on and checked bags.
Can You Bring a Golf Rangefinder, Divot Tools, and Umbrella on a Plane?
You can pack and fly with a rangefinder in both your carry on and checked bags. The size of the battery is too small to be of any concern to the TSA. As a golf rangefinder can be quite expensive, we recommend that you pack it in your carry on bag to avoid damage, though.
Every respectable golfer always has a divot tool on hand when hitting the golf course to repair their pitch and divot marks. Thankfully, you won’t get any dirty looks when playing your next round, as you can bring golf divot tools in both your carry on and checked bags.
You can bring an umbrella on a plane, though your golf umbrella will likely be a struggle – at least in your carry on bags. This is because a golf umbrella is quite long, so its length will likely exceed the maximum dimensions stated by the airline. The maximum length permitted by airlines is around 24 inches.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
