5 Top Tips For Flying With Golf Clubs In The US

Posted by Admin August 11, 2024 Golf

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Summary

TSA requires golf clubs to be checked as baggage – not permitted in carry-on luggage.
Passengers can travel with one golf bag containing clubs, balls, tees, and shoes.
Airlines like Delta and American permit golf bags up to 115 linear inches without oversize fees if packed in hard cases.

The good news is that most airlines in the US allow passengers to fly with most types of sports equipment—although such equipment counts toward their checked bag allowance. There are many things to know about specific equipment, like golf clubs (just as there are specific things to know about flying with winter sports equipment and bringing cricket equipment on airplanes).

1 Must be checked

TSA requires golf clubs to be checked

As carry-on luggage:	not permitted by TSA
As checked luggage:	permitted by TSA
Sport equipment regulations:	various

The TSA normally permits golf clubs and other such sports equipment to be taken on board an aircraft, but only has checked luggage. Clubs can be used as weapons, so they are not permitted as carry-on luggage. Most sports equipment (with some notable exceptions) can be checked into a flight – even guns and ammo can be taken, but they must be declared to the airline, securely packed, and various regulations must be followed.

Photo: Wenjie Zheng | Shutterstock

Note that while the TSA’s policy is that golf clubs are permitted in the aircraft’s cargo hold, it also states, “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.” Regarding golf balls, refer to the specific TSA regulations for bringing sports balls on flights.

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2 Passengers can travel with one golf bag

One golf set in one golf bag with one pair of shoes is normally permitted

Number of golf bags:	One
Allowable contents:	golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, golf shoes
Number of golf shoes:	one pair

United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines allow passengers to bring one golf bag on the flight. American Airlines states that the bag can contain golf clubs, golf balls, golf tees, and one pair of golf shoes. Delta specifies that passengers can bring one golf bag with one set of golf clubs, balls, tees, and one pair of golf shoes.

Several pieces of luggage on a baggage carousel.

Photo: Travel man | Shutterstock

Note that American Airlines states that passengers cannot travel with wingless golf club load strips. Standard baggage charges apply to golf bags. Delta Air Lines states that golf bags weighing over 50 lbs will be charged the applicable excess weight fee.

Many American Airlines aircraft lined up at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

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3 No oversize fees

Golf bags are normally permitted up to 115 linear inches

Oversize fee:	none
Max mention:	115 linear inches (Delta)
Weight limit:	normally 50 lbs

A golf club bag counts as part of the passenger’s baggage allowance. American Airlines states, “Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and a standard overweight fee applies over 50 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs. Oversize fees do not apply.”

Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock

Delta Air Lines also says passengers will not be charged oversized fees for golf bags, but it cautions that overweight bag charges may apply. It also cautions passengers that the size of the golf bags may result in a delay in passengers receiving their bags at baggage claim. Delta says the golf bag will not be accepted if the outside linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 115 linear inches.

Baggage Loading American Airlines Shutterstock

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4 Pack in a hard case

Always pack golf clubs in a hard case to prevent damage

Airline liability:	Typically no damage liability unless packed in hard case
Soft case:	May need to sign a liability waiver
Tip:	Wrap club heads in towels or cloth

Some airlines, like United Airlines, require golf clubs to be packed in a hard-sided case. Delta Air Lines says clubs need to be “contained safely” and then clarifies that this means packed in a hard-shell case or a soft-sided golf travel bag after a limited release has been signed. Golf clubs can be damaged or broken while being carried in soft-sided cases.

Delta A330-300 climbing shutterstock_2477789259

Photo: Minh K Tran | Shutterstock

One passenger had golf clubs broken on Southwest and requested compensation. Southwest declined the request, stating, “In this particular case, sporting equipment packed in a soft-sided case is considered improperly packed as it generally cannot withstand normal handling… For this reason, we encourage Customers to pack their sporting equipment in hard-sided cases for proper protection. We regret that we are unable to accept liability for your claim.”

A Hawaian Airlines Airbus A330 flying along the coast.

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5 Consider having them shipped

Excessive golf clubs can be shipped via freight companies

Cost:	Starting at $49 (Ship Sticks)
Insurance:	Often covered with shipping
Optional shipping companies:	Ship Sticks, My Baggage

If packing golf clubs is too much or if passengers have more than one set and the airline’s restriction on one golf bag with one set and one pair of golf shoes is too restrictive, then there is the option of getting them shipped. A couple of companies that can ship golf clubs are Ship Sticks and My Baggage.

golfball on a tee with golf club and golfer's hand

Photo: Delta Air Lines

These companies can collect the golf clubs from people’s homes or a specific location. Shipping the clubs is typically more expensive than flying with them, but it does make it easier to breeze through the airport. While packing golf clubs on flights in the US is relatively straightforward, sometimes it might be easier to hire them at the other end.