How to avoid excess golf baggage fees.
Are you a golfer who travels frequently with your clubs?
If so, you’ll be familiar with the added costs of checking your golf bags on flights.
Golf baggage fees and rules can vary significantly among airlines, and it’s pretty much impossible to keep track of all the different policies.
In this article, we take a closer look at the golf baggage fees of major airlines and provide tips on how to save money when travelling with your clubs.
Whether you’re a seasoned golf travel pro or are planning your first trip, this guide will help you navigate the often-confusing world of airline baggage fees for golfers.
These policies are changing all the time, and we will be adding new airlines all the time, so check back before you next trip to get the latest up-to-date info. ⛳️ ✈️ 🧳
What’s in this guide
- What are golf baggage charges
- The minefield of golf bag charges
- Policies & charges for each of the major airlines
- Our top tips for travelling with your golf clubs
- FAQ’s about….
What are golf baggage charges?
Most airlines charge a fee for checking golf bags and other equipment in a similar way to how they treat ski gear.
Golf bags whether in a specialist golf travel bag or not (and we’d recommend you use one like this), are considered oversized or overweight baggage. This means you may need to pay an additional fee to check-in your clubs.
These fees can vary depending on the airline, the route,the type of ticket and class of travel.
Because each airline had it’s own policy it’s not easy to work out what you may be charged before you book your ticket. For example a golfing buddy booked a trip to France with a budget airline and paid just £135 for his flight but then had an additional £400 in baggage charges at the airport!
So we thought we’d try and pull together a golf bagage charge comparison table for the top 18 major airlines for golfers.
Please be aware this should be used as a guide only as policies and charges are changing all the time and there are multiple variables to consider.
However, we think this should provide a good one-stop shop for you to avoid any major baggage fee charges at the airport and be able to roughly calculate any additional costs!
Golf Baggage Fees Ranked by Airline
Major Long-Haul Carriers for Golfers
American
Do American Airlines accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf equipment is considered a standard checked baggage item.
There is a charge for all checked baggage.
What are the size restrictions on golf baggage with American Airlines?
Size is limited to the size of a hard-sided golf case
What is the weight limit on American for golf baggage?
The maximum weight allowance for your golf equipment is 23kg
You can travel with an weight of 70kg but an overweight baggage charge of $100 will apply.
American Airlines Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
1 golf bag containing a maximum of 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls and 1 pair of golf shoes is permitted – free of charge.
Air Canada
Does Air Canada accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf equipment can be accepted as part of your overall baggage allowance. But some restrictions apply.
What are the size and weight restrictions on golf baggage with Air Canada?
Your golf bag must weigh less than 23 kg (50 lb). You can take one golf bag containing approximately 14 clubs, 12 golf balls and one pair of golf shoes as one piece of baggage. This will count towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.
Golf bags may contain more clubs and balls; however, overweight fees will apply if the weight of the bag is over 23 kg (50 lb)
Air Canada Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
You can register your golf equipment at least 24 hours before your flight by contacting Air Canada Reservations, Air Canada Vacations or your travel agent.
Please note that registering golf gear in advance of travel doesn’t guarantee that it will be accepted on your flight(s).
Even if you do pre-register you’ll need to reconfirm with an airport agent when you check-in.
British Airways
Are golf bags accepted as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf equipment, packed in a protective golf bag or hard case, will count as one item of your checked baggage.
Contents may include items such as a set of golf clubs, a golf umbrella, a dozen balls, golf tees and a pair of golf shoes.
If you carry your golf umbrella, or a parasol, separately, it will count as an extra item of checked baggage and you may have to pay if you are over your free.
What are the size restrictions on golf baggage?
190cm (height), 75cm (width), 65cm (depth)
What is the weight limit on golf baggage?
British Airways’ 23kg baggage weight limit applies to each bag and can’t be split between multiple bags.
Bags over 32kg won’t be accepted as checked baggage.
Fees & Additional Information
If the golf bag is in addition to your personal baggage an extra bag charge must be paid. If you pay in advance online the charges are between £20 – £120 depending on destination and number of additional bags.
If you check-in at the Airport the cost will increase to £65.
Delta Airlines
Does Delta accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
You may check one golf bag (per passenger) as a standard item of checked baggage, as long as equipment is contained safely and meets the size requirement. Standard baggage charges apply.
What is the weight limit on Delta Airlines for golf baggage?
Golf bags weighing over 50 lbs. will be charged the applicable excess weight fee
If the outside linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 115 linear inches (292 cm), the item will not be accepted
Items in excess of baggage allowance will be subject to additional or overweight baggage fees
Delta Airlines Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
One checked golf bag can hold: One golf bag, one set of golf clubs, golf balls and tees, one pair golf shoes.
Emirates
Do Emirates accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf equipment is considered a standard checked baggage item.
Additional baggage that exceeds the allowance will need to be purchased.
What are the size restrictions on golf baggage with Emirates?
Bags must not exceed total dimensions of 300cm/118 inches
What is the weight limit on Emirates for golf baggage?
Your golf bag must weigh 23kg or less to avoid any excess baggage fees with Emirates.
Emirates Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
The basic allowance of 23k is for Economy class travellers.
Additional baggage allowances and size/weight restrictions vary depending on your flight departure, arrival destinationsand class of travel.
Overweight luggage up to 32kg is charged at $75 USD.
Etihad
Do Etihad accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
You can carry one set of clubs for free, weighing up to 15kg.
This is in addition to your baggage allowance.
What is the weight limit on Etihad for golf baggage?
Your golf bags must not weigh more than 15kg to avoid excess fees.
Etihad Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
One set may consist of clubs, balls and one pair of golf shoes.
Top Tip: If you’re carrying a golf umbrella separately, this will count as an additional item and fees may apply.
Finnair
Do Finnair accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Yes! Golf equipment may include a set of golf clubs, one golf bag and one pair of golf shoes – all these items count towards the total weight of your golf equipment.
What is the weight limit on Finnair for golf baggage?
Golf bags must not weigh more than 23kg (50lb) and doesn’t exceed 190cm (75in) in length.
If it exceeds these measures, a heavy bag charge applies.
Finnair Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Finnair Plus Gold and Platinum members are allowed to carry one set of golf equipment for free
KLM
Do KLM accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
If you booked a Standard or Flex ticket, you can bring a one set of golf clubs and a bag instead of an item of checked luggage without having to make a reservation
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with KLM?
300 cm (length + width + height) and up to 23 kg in Economy Class and Premium Comfort Class, or 32 kg in Business Class.
KLM Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
A golf set consists only of clubs, balls, and a pair of golf shoes.
Flying Blue Members may bring 1 golf bag, containing only your golf equipment, with a maximum weight of 23 kg on top of your standard checked baggage allowance. Make sure to bring a Flying Blue Golf voucher.
Insider Tip! if you booked a Light ticket, you’ll have to pay a fee to check in your golfing equipment.
Qantas
Do Qantas accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf bags and collapsible buggies are carried as checked baggage and are exempt from normal dimension restrictions on Qantas-operated services.
Qantas Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Golf equipment can be checked in as part of your standard baggage allowance.
Normal charges apply to any excess baggage above the weight allowance. You can add sporting equipment and/or purchase extra weight allowance online prior to your flight.
Singapore Airlines
Do Singapore Airlines accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Sporting equipment – such as golf clubs counts towards your checked baggage allowance. If you exceed this allowance, the usual additional baggage charges will apply.
What are the size restrictions on golf baggage with Singapore Airlines?
Any item above 32kg will not be accepted as checked baggage, and these items may have to be re-packed or sent as cargo.
Get in touch with your local SIA Cargo office prior to your travel if you wish to transport any item above 32kg as cargo.
Singapore Airlines Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
If you’re travelling to or from Canada and the USA, most sporting equipment is treated as one piece of baggage. A canoe is treated as two pieces of baggage.
Also if you’re travelling to or from Canada, your sporting equipment will be charged according to the baggage allowance that applies to your journey.
South African Airways
Do South African Airways accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf equipment can be checked in but charges on sports equipment may apply on both international and domestic flights.
If your free baggage allowance is exceeded, standard additional baggage charges will apply
What are the size restrictions on golf baggage with South African Airways?
Whilst rare golf equipment larger than 200 cm, will only be accepted as cargo and the relevant Cargo rates will apply.
South African Airways Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
The sporting equipment allowance is available on all SAA operated flights. However it excludes codeshare partner operated flights on SAA flight numbers so if in doubt it’s always good to check before you fly.
Thai Air
Do Thai Air accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
You can check in one set of golf clubs per person without being charged.
Additional golf bags will be subject to normal excess baggage charges
Thai Air Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Excess baggage charges depend on flight zones and ticket class – full details can be found by clicking here.
Turkish Airlines
Do Turkish Airlines accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Unlike a lot of airline for international flights with Turkish Airlines, the first golf set is free of charge.
Any additional sets will be subject to normal excess baggage fees.
What is the weight limit on Turkish Airlines for golf baggage?
If you’re travelling with Turkish Airlines any golf bags must not weigh more than 23kg to avoid excess fees.
Turkish Airlines Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
A set consists of golf clubs, golf balls, a pair of golf shoes, golf tees and a golf bag.
Personal belongings should not be put in a golf bag.
United Airlines
Do United accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
One item of golf equipment per customer as a checked bag.
An item of golf equipment consists of: One golf bag containing one set of golf clubs, golf balls and one pair of golf shoes
What are the size restrictions on golf baggage with United Airlines?
Golfing bags measuring more than 62 total linear inches (158 centimeters) (length + width + height) that contain golf equipment won’t be subject to any applicable service charges for oversized checked bags.
United Airlines Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Golf bags that don’t contain golfing equipment will be subject to any applicable service charges for oversized and overweight checked bags.
Virgin Atlantic
Do Virgin Atlantic accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
You can check in one golf bag per person for free, in addition to your checked baggage allowance.
Virgin Atlantic Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
For Economy Light the charge is £45 per bag per flight.
Prices vary depending on the class of travel. You can take a piece of sports equipment in place of one of your bags if your ticket already includes check-in baggage allowance.
Major Domestic/Short-Haul Carriers for Golfers
Most of the long-haul carriers are pretty golf friendly when it comes to carrying golf bags. However, the short-haul airlines are a whole different beast and this is where golfers like us can really get stung on those excess baggage fees if we don’t plan in advance!
Pay close attention to this list of golf baggage fees for some of the major domestic and short-haul airlines:
Alaska Airlines (US Domestic)
Does Alaska Airlines accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Aer Lingus limits the number of golf bags allowed per flight to a maximum of 12. Availability is subject to daily change and at peak times can be a problem for passengers – we know of groups where some have had to check their golf bags into later flights.
To avoid issues at the airport we highly recommend groups should contact the airline in advance.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with Alaska Airlines?
Although you can check-in a golf bag and equipment up to a maximum of 23kg, charges do apply to some passengers travelling with golf bags on Aer Lingus.
The charges vary depending on the class of travel and destination.
Alaska Airlines Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Most golf equipment that exceeds the normal checked baggage weight and dimensions flies for only $30 for the first bag.
MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold, MVP, First Class, Club 49 and passengers who hold an Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Cardholders can check in golf bags as part of their free checked baggage allowance.
Aer Lingus (Ireland)
Does Aer Lingus accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Aer Lingus limits the number of golf bags allowed per flight to a maximum of 12. Availability is subject to daily change and at peak times can be a problem for passengers – we know of groups where some have had to check their golf bags into later flights.
To avoid issues at the airport we highly recommend groups should contact the airline in advance.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with Aer Lingus?
Although you can check-in a golf bag and equipment up to a maximum of 23kg, charges do apply to some passengers travelling with golf bags on Aer Lingus.
The charges vary depending on the class of travel and destination.
Aer Lingus Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
For Economy class travel there is a charge of £40 per bag per flight.
For business class passengers, sports equipment is carried free of charge.
For Long Haul flights to the US, the cost increases to £75.
EasyJet (Europe)
Does EasyJet accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Although one of the most popular European airlines for golf breaks within Europe we find EasyJet’s policy is a little confusing! Which means it can be easy to get caught out! Our best understanding of it is that one item of golf equipment can be carried in addition to your hold baggage allowance, although both will incur a charge.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with EasyJet?
You can check-in a golf bag and equipment up to a maximum of 20kg. Above this weight additional excess bag fees will apply of approximately £15 per 3kg increment.
EasyJet Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Golf bags are classed as “Small Sports Equipment” by EasyJet. This means you will need to pay £37 per bag per flight if you add them to your booking online. If you wait until you check-in at the Airport the cost will increase to £47 per bag.
If you are travelling as a group on one booking there’s no limit to the number of golf bags allowed, as long as it doesn’t exceed one per person.
Frontier Airlines (US Domestic)
Do Frontier Airlines accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Frontier Airlines will accept your golf clubs on board as a piece of regular checked baggage. One bag which may include golf clubs and shoes. Allow an extra 30 minutes for check-in.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with Frontier?
The maximum weight for golf bags passengers want to check in with Frontier Airlines is 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms) – subject to the fees outlined below.
Your bag should have dimensions of less than 62 linear inches (length x width x depth) including handles, wheels and straps.
Baggage weighing 100 or more pounds (45 kilograms) or exceeding 110linear inches will not be accepted
Frontier Airlines Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Bags weighing 41-50 pounds will be charged $50 per bag, per direction.
Bags weighing 51-100 pounds will be charged $100 per bag, per direction.
Bags in excess of 100 pounds will not be accepted.
Iberia (Europe)
Does TUI accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Although charges will apply you can check-in one golf bag with 14 clubs, 12 balls and one pair of shoes per person per flight.
Golf clubs should be securely fastened inside the bag
On long-haul flights golf bags can be included as part of your normal baggage allowance.
There are different charges depending on your flight duration and if you pre-pay online or at the airport.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with Iberia?
You can check in golf bags weighing up to 23kg for the standard charges. For bags weighing between 23-32kg there will be excess fees to pay at the airport
Iberia Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Fees depend on whether you pre-book your golf bags online or at the airport and the destination of your flight.
Short-Haul flights Online: €35/$40/£32 Airport: €45/$55/£40
Medium Haul flights: Online: €40/$50/£35 Airport: €45/$55/£40
Jet Blue (US Domestic)
Do Jet Blue accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
A golf bag will count as a checked bag and may contain no more than: 14 golf clubs, 3 golf balls & 1 pair of golf shoes.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with Jet Blue?
Jet Blue passengers can check in a golf bag without charge up to a weight of 23kg (50lbs). Anything above this weight will incur an overweight baggage fee.
Jet Blue Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Golf equipment should be packed in a hard-sided container.
JetBlue will also accept soft-sided bags but is not liable for damage to the bag or contents.
Ryanair (Europe)
Do Ryanair accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Sports equipment may be carried in the hold of the aircraft in addition to personal checked baggage allowance up to a limit of 20 kilos per item.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with Ryanair?
If you’re travelling with Ryanair on your next golf trip and want to avoid excess bag fees make sure your golf bag does not exceed the size restrictions of 81cms (height), 119cms (width) and 119cms (depth) or weigh more than 20kg.
Ryanair Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
If a golf bag is carried in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance a fee is payable. £35/€35 per item, per one-way flight when pre-paid online.
A higher fee of £40/€40 per item/per one-way flight when paid at the airport or through a Ryanair call centre.
If the bag weighs over the 20kgs allowance it will be charged the applicable excess baggage rate at £9 per kg.
South West Airlines (US Domestic)
Do South West accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf bags are accepted as checked in bags as long as they are in hard golf bag carrying case provided by the passenger, including clubs, balls, and shoes.
If you have a hooded golf bag or a soft-sided carrying case they will be conditionally accepted.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with South West?
Overweight charges will apply to golf bags exceeding 50 pounds. Up to a maximum weight of 100lbs.
Maximum dimensions allowed are 62 inches in size (length + width + height)
South West Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Unlike other domestic US airlines each passenger is allowed two free checked bags. Even better your golf bag counts toward your free checked bag if they are within the weight limit so they travel for free!
However, an overweight bag (50lbs+) will be charged at $75.
Sprint Airlines (US Domestic)
Do Sprint Airlines accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf equipment checked in with Sprint Airlines is charged as a standard checked bag – £36 for the first bag. Golf equipment is considered one golf bag with up to 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls, and one pair of golf shoes.
You can also bring a pull cart if it is attached to the golf bag.
Sprint recommend using a hard-sided carrier to protect your clubs from shifting during the flight.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with Sprint?
To avoid incurring additional baggage fees the maximum weight for your golf bag is 40lbs (18kg). Bags weighing over 100lbs will not be accepted.
However, one benefit for golfers flying with Sprint is that you don’t need to worry if your clubs are a little oversized in length – Sprint waive oversize charges on golf equipment.
Sprint Airlines Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Prices for checked bags vary depending on flight destination, availability and if you pay for them at the time of booking or later.
The minimum charge is $36 per flight for your first bag weighing less than 41lbs. But if you pay for the same bag at the airport it could cost $89. Click here to get quotes for your flights.
Bags weighing 41 – 50 lbs. (18 – 23 kg) will be charged at $79 per bag
If your golf bag weighs 51 – 100 lbs. (23 – 45 kg) you will be charged $125 per flight.
Please note: A limited liability release will need to be signed when traveling with golf clubs.
TAP Portugal (Europe)
Does TAP Portugal accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
Golf equipment can be checked in up to a maximum weight of 32 kg / 70 lbs.
Fees depend on flight distances and booking channel.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with TAP Portugal?
If you’re travelling with Ryanair on your next golf trip and want to avoid excess bag fees make sure your golf bag does not exceed the size restrictions of 81cms (height), 119cms (width) and 119cms (depth) or weigh more than 20kg.
TAP Portugal Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Domestic flights: flights within Europe, or to Morocco, Tunisia, Israel:
Online: 45 EUR / 58 USD / 72 CAD
Airport: 50 EUR / 64 USD / 80 CAD
International flights:
Online: 80 EUR / 100 USD / 127 CAD
Airport
90 EUR / 112 USD / 142 CAD
TUI (Europe)
Does TUI accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?
All checked luggage carries a charge depending on seat class and destination.
What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with TUI?
Any bag above 55x40x20cm must be checked-in. The weight restrictions are limited to 20kg for a standard fare and 23kg for premium passengers.
TUI Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information
Charges are £27 per bag per flight booked in advance.
For Long Haul flights the cost can increase to £32.
Our top tips for travelling with your golf clubs
- Use a golf travel bag carrier – either a soft case or better still a protective hard case carrier will protect your clubs and if secured with a lock give you additional peace of mind that your prize possessions will be safe during the trip.
- Protect your iron heads by covering them with your socks! A top tip given to us by a seasoned golf traveller! Obviously, a sock won’t give your clubs protection against excessive impacts but it does stop the clubheads banging together which can cause chips or scratches.
- Book ahead where you can to save excessive charges – as you can see from some of the fees being charged above for checking in your golf bags at the airport. So planning ahead will keep your costs (and stress levels) to a minimum!
- Pack your golf shoes in your bag – most airlines allow you to pack golf shoes in your bag which can save significant space in your main luggage.
- Consider avoiding the hassle of flying with your clubs and use a specialist shipping company like Ship Sticks or Lugless who will pick-up your clubs from your door and deliver direct to your destination!
FAQ’s About Golf Baggage Fees…
The fees you will have to pay depend on your airline, destination, which cabin you are travelling in and the weight of your golf bag. Many long-haul flights will accept golf bags without fees but as a general rule you should expect to pay between $30 and $60 for bags weighing 40lbs (18kg) or under and that you’ve pre-booked online.
You will be charged more for bags between 41lbs (18.5kg) to 100lbs and any bags checked in at the airport. Golf bags weighing over 100lbs(45kg) will probably not be accepted to travel.
From our research the general limits as to what you can pack into your golf carrier bag are: 1 golf bag, golf tees, 14 golf clubs, approximately a dozen golf balls, and a pair of golf shoes.
However, depending on the airline you may also be able to include a golf umbrella some light clothing (e.g. waterproofs) and lightweight golf training aids. However, it is advisable to check with the airline before you travel if you are planning to pack anything out of the ordinary into your golf bag and be wary of the weight limits.
No. With most airlines you can check your golf bag in with the rest of your luggage and it will count towards your overall checked baggage weight limit.
Once checked in you may need to take your golf bag to an oversized bag area for transportation to the aircraft and once you reach your destination it can be an “adventure” to find where baggage handlers drop off golf bags with the luggage collection area of some airports!
Yes. And to avoid additional fees we advise you pre-pay online wherever possible. Some airlines will charge you double the online fee to check in a golf bag at the airport or even worse at the gate. See our article above for a breakdown of the various fees by airline.
We recommend using a hard case carrier wherever possible even for short domestic flights mainly because they give additional protection and security. However, we’ve also used cheaper soft cases and despite the occasional rip and tearwe’ve not had too many issues. Softer cases are also easier to store when you reach your hotel or at home when your not travelling with your golf clubs.
