Can I Take My Golf Clubs On A Plane? – How Much It Costs To Fly With Your Golf Gear

There are fantastic golf courses all over the world. Whether you want to head to Europe to experience some truly legendary greens or stay in the United States for some historic courses, you’ll probably need to bring your equipment. 

Taking your golf clubs abroad may not be as simple as you think, so we’ve put together a quick guide to help you. Here’s everything you need to know about transporting your golf clubs abroad, from making sure they’re properly packed to checking in and getting them to the right location.

How much does it cost?

Unfortunately, long gone are the days of being able to take your golf clubs on a plane for free. You’ll now have to pay carriage fees, which can be pretty expensive depending on which country you’re traveling to and which airline you choose to travel with. 

Here are the current guidelines and pricing for the most popular airlines:

• American Airlines – This airline permits you to bring one golf bag with you that contains up to 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls, and one pair of golf shoes. You will be charged the same amount as your destination’s first or second baggage fee.

• Air Canada – Golf bags that exceed the 63-inch length restriction will not be charged additional costs if they weigh less than 50 pounds. Your golf bag may contain 14 clubs, 12 balls, and one pair of shoes. Golf clubs must be transported in a hard-cover case or they may be refused.

• Delta Airlines – The cost of checking your golf clubs with Delta is $30 for the first bag and $40 for the second bag. If your golf bag weighs more than 50 pounds or has 115-inch linear dimensions (L+W+H), you must pay an overweight baggage tax of $150 to $200. One set of clubs, one pair of shoes, and golf balls and tees may be included in the bag.

• Emirates – They will accept your golf clubs as checked luggage and count them towards your usual baggage allowance. Each piece’s overall dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 150cm (59 inches). Larger items up to 300cm in length are subject to an extra charge (118 inches).

• Frontier Air – Checking your golf bag costs between $34 and $60 if it’s your first bag, $39 to $55 if it’s your second, and $85 to $95 if it’s your third. You’ll pay less if you check your luggage when you book, and more if you check them at the airport. If your golf bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you will be charged a $75 overweight baggage tax.

• Jetblue – The cost of checking your golf clubs with Jetblue is $35 for the first bag, $45 for the second bag, and $150 for the third bag. This assumes, like many other airlines, that your suitcase weighs less than 50 pounds. If you surpass this weight, you will be charged $150. According to Jetblue, a golf bag may include no more than 14 clubs, three balls, and one pair of shoes.

• KLM – Be prepared to pay a surcharge for flying with your golf clubs on KLM. The cost is determined by your destination. You can find out how much you’ll be charged online or by contacting them directly.

• Southwest Airlines – Checking-in golf clubs with Southwest Airlines is free if they are one of your first two checked bags and weigh less than 50 pounds. If your golf bag weighs more than 50 pounds, you will be charged a $75 surcharge. Golf balls, clubs, and shoes are permitted in golf bags.

• Virgin Atlantic – This airline will fly your golf equipment as part of your baggage allowance if it weighs less than 23kg. One bag with a maximum of 14 clubs, a dozen golf balls, and one pair of golf shoes are included in your limit.

• United Airlines – If it’s your first checked bag, United Airlines will charge you $25 to check your golf clubs, and $35 if it’s your second checked bag. If it weighs more than 50 pounds, then an overweight baggage tax of $100 to $200 is usually charged. They accept one golf bag with clubs, balls, and golf shoes per person. Be warned – arriving with an oversized bag may delay your luggage at your destination, as United airlines tend to unload their excess baggage.

• WestJet – Checking your golf clubs with Westjet will cost $30 for the first bag, $50 for the second bag, and $100 for the third or fourth bag. Assume they weigh less than 50 pounds. Otherwise, an overweight baggage tax of $100 to $118 would be charged. Each guest is allowed one golf bag, which may contain clubs, golf balls, and golf shoes.

• Qantas – Your golf bags will be accepted on this airline. They will be carried as baggage and are exempt from the regular linear dimension restrictions on Qantas-operated services.

• Air France – They will take your golf equipment as long as it is just a golf bag with clubs and shoes. They consider it regular checked luggage and will include it in your baggage limits at no additional cost (except for Light and Basic fare tickets), as long as it is the only baggage you want to check-in.

• Spirit Airlines – If it’s your first checked bag, Spirit Airlines will charge you between $21 and $50, $31 to $60 if it’s your second bag, and $75 to $100 if it’s your third bag. Rates will differ depending on whether luggage is checked at the time of booking or at the airport. If your golf bag exceeds the 63-inch limit, you will not be charged for overweight baggage.

• EasyJet – They charge 50-80 dollars at the airport for golf bags weighing up to 20kg. Please note that these prices are based on a one-way journey, so if you plan on coming home, you’ll need to double that figure.

• Ryanair – This airline charges 40-60 dollars at the airport for golf bags up to 20kg. These prices are based on a one-way journey.

If the airline you’re looking for isn’t listed above, please check their individual websites or make contact with them directly.