Golf courses abound around the world. Whether you are a professional or casual player, it is a great experience to be playing in other countries or cities. As you travel around wonderful golf courses, you need to know the basics of how to carry golf clubs on a plane.
Whether you are carrying the best golf irons ever or top golf drivers for seniors, bringing them on a flight requires careful planning. Read on as we share some tips on how you can do so like a pro.
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How to Carry Golf Clubs on a Plane
You don’t have to be an expert to figure out how you can carry golf clubs on a plane. Below are some of the things to remember for a seamless flight while also making sure that the clubs will not be damaged while you are in transit.
Know the Rules
One of the most important is to read the fine-print to avoid any trouble. The rules can vary from one airline to another. Most of the time, the terms are stated in your ticket, so make sure that you take the time to read.
In most cases, airlines will not allow you to check-in your golf clubs on your flight. Instead, they need to be a part of your checked baggage. A lot of the airlines will let you check a baggage with a 50-pound limit, which should be enough for your golf clubs. Going beyond such will incur additional fees.
Pay attention to the size of the bag. It is common to have a limit of 62 linear inches. To compute for the latter, you need to add the height, width, and length.
Book a Direct Flight
As much as possible, fly direct when you are bringing golf clubs on a plane. It can be more expensive, but the cost is justifiable. It is not only fast and convenient, but it also minimizes the chances of losing your golf clubs.
There have been many nightmare stories from people who lost their golf clubs on a flight. The latter is common in instances when you are changing flights. It can also be left behind, especially on tight connections or busy times. Spare yourself from headaches by booking a direct flight.
Pack Your Clubs Properly
Learning how to organize golf clubs in bag is essential when you are flying. It is not as simple as putting them in a bag. One of the most important is to wrap the shafts, which will protect them. You can wrap the shaft and heads using towels. However, if you want to minimize weight of your baggage, you can use bubble wrap instead.
Another option is to invest in a hard-shell case. Find ones that are made of lightweight materials without compromising durability.
Use the Right Bag
While it might seem basic, a lot of people ignore the importance of having the right bag. Golf clubs are expensive, so they deserve a high-quality bag. It should be sturdy enough to withstand flying. From the fabric to the stitches, make sure that the construction is second to none.
It is a good idea to add a stiff bar on the bag, which is higher or wider than the golf clubs. This will prevent the bag from being distorted during transit, which will also minimize potential damage to the golf clubs.
Include Identification
While it is mandatory for airlines to include a luggage tag on your golf bag, do not just rely on it. We recommend choosing a bag with a slot for an identification card. Include your name, contact details, and address or hotel. This way, it is easy for the bag to find its way to you if ever it is lost during transit.
Another good practice is to include a string, ribbon, or any distinct identification to your bag. It makes it easier to identify your baggage once it is in the carousel. Especially if you have a bag that looks common, it is possible for other people to think that it is their bag or you might end up taking home a bag that belongs to someone else.
Insure Your Baggage
A lot of people are hesitant in booking flight insurance because of the additional cost. It can be expensive, especially during international flights. However, it is a necessary expense for your peace of mind. Nothing can be more disastrous than losing your golf clubs in transit and not receiving any form of compensation for such an unfortunate incident.
When paying an insurance premium, read the terms and conditions. Look at what is covered and what isn’t. Find one with the most comprehensive coverage.
Conclusion
If you are flying with your golf clubs, make sure to pay attention to the things mentioned above. From being familiar with the airline’s regulations to having an insurance, take note of those tips for a hassle-free experience when carrying golf clubs on a plane.