If you’re flying somewhere that has beautiful golf resorts and sunshine, you may be wondering how easy it is to take your golf clubs on a flight. It’s not uncommon for people to take their golf clubs and other golf items on flights. If this is your first time taking golf clubs on a flight, you’ll want to know if you have to follow any special instructions.
Golf clubs themselves are not considered oversized luggage. Every airline has its own certain requirements for weight and height. All airlines require things to be under 50 pounds and height requirements can range from 60 inches to 120 inches depending on the airline.
I am going to dive into what the four major US airlines require when flying with golf clubs while also giving you some tips and tricks to make sure there is little to no hassle.
Four Major US Airline Requirements
Can I Fly United Airlines With Golf Clubs?
United Airlines has been servicing people since the 1920s, so it’s no wonder that many people like to fly United. Golf clubs are one of the many items that United Airlines can assist you with.
United Airlines will accept one bag of golf clubs per person. The golf bag can include one entire set of golf clubs, golf balls, and one pair of golf shoes. In order for United Airlines to accept your golf clubs, they must be put away properly and enclosed in a hard carrying case to ensure that no damage happens to them.
Your golf bag must be 62 inches in length and 50 lbs or less in order to qualify under their “sporting goods” rates. If the bag containing the golf clubs is oversized or overweight, different bagging rates may apply. (source)
United Airlines does not take responsibility for any damaged items.
If you have any questions regarding the transport of your golf clubs, go to the United Airlines website or contact their number for more information here: https://www.united.com/en/us
Can I Fly Delta Airlines With Golf Clubs?
Delta Airlines services 200 million people annually and is known to have its hubs in some of the largest cities in the United States. Delta Airlines is proud to help you with all your luggage needs, this includes golf clubs.
Delta Airlines will accept one bag of golf clubs per person. The golf bag can include one golf bag, one entire set of golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, and one pair of golf shoes. Delta Airlines does have some restrictions when it comes to handling your clubs; your clubs must be put away properly and enclosed in a hard carrying case to ensure that no damage happens to them.
If you happen to have a club that is a limited signed release, you must have it packed in a soft-sided golf travel bag. Your golf bag cannot exceed 115 inches in length and must be under 50 lbs or else it will not be accepted. (source)
Standard bagging rates do apply to all golf club bags that meet the following requirements. Delta Airlines does not take responsibility for any damaged items.
If you have any questions regarding the transport of your golf clubs, go to the Delta Airlines website or contact their number for more information here: https://www.delta.com/
Can I Fly American Airlines With Golf Clubs?
American Airlines has been serving people for 95 years and prides itself on providing the best flying experience for its customers. American Airlines is happy to accept golf clubs as one of its many baggage items.
American Airlines will accept one bag of golf clubs per person. The golf bag can include one golf bag, one entire set of golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, and one pair of golf shoes. Golf bags cannot exceed 50 lbs and 126 inches in height. As of 2021 if your bag is over 50 lbs a $150 fee will be added to the already existing standard bag fee.
You’ll want to note that American Airlines does not accept travel with swingless golf club load strips. (source)
If you have any questions regarding the transport of your golf clubs, go to the American Airlines website or contact their number for more information here: https://www.aa.com/homePage.do
Can I Fly Southwest Airlines With Golf Clubs?
Southwest Airlines has been serving people since 1971 and makes around 15 billion dollars in revenue annually. Southwest does its best in meeting its customer’s needs, this includes traveling with golf clubs. (source)
Southwest Airlines will accept golf bags that include one golf bag, one entire set of golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, and golf shoes. Golf clubs must be in a hard carrying case, but golf clubs in a soft-sided carrying case will be conditionally accepted. The golf bag cannot exceed 50 lbs, and if it does, other fees may apply.
If you have any questions regarding the transport of your golf clubs, go to the Southwest Airlines website or contact their number for more information here: https://www.southwest.com/
Tips For A Hassle-Free Flight
Every Airline wants to make sure that your vacation is as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible, but sometimes unexpected things happen that can cause some trouble. Here are some tips on what you can do to make sure that you have the most hassle-free flight possible.
- All the major airlines do not accept bags above 50 lbs for standard luggage rates. So make sure you weigh your bag before leaving for the airport to ensure you keep costs down and have no issues.
- Make sure you read the fine print because if your clubs go missing most airlines will replace them, but just be prepared for paperwork if this happens.
- If there is damage to your golf clubs, some airlines state that they are not liable for any damages if bagged improperly. Make sure you take the time to bag your clubs properly to avoid damages.
- If you have something valuable with your golf clubs or on your golf bag (a lucky coin, vintage items, memorable scorecard, etc.) consider removing that when traveling so it doesn’t get lost or damaged.
- Make sure you buy a quality bag from a reputable company to ensure your clubs will be protected during a flight.
- Make sure you go to the airline website that you are flying with before you travel with golf clubs as some have different rules than others.
Make sure you contact the airline company you are flying with if you have any questions regarding rates, requirements, and concerns when flying with your golf clubs.
Happy Golfing
Now that you know what each major airline requires when flying with golf clubs you can make an informed decision on which one you wish to fly with. Remember to package your golf clubs properly so they do not get damaged during a flight. Enjoy the sunshine and happy golfing!