What Is The Best Method For Flying With Golf Clubs?
If you’re planning a golfing vacation and are flying to a resort with your golf clubs, there are some tips that just might help you make your golfing getaway with clubs in tow a bit less frustrating and will help get you and your special bag of clubs to your destination safe and sound.
Since most airlines insist that you check your clubs, try to pack as lightly as possible so that you can carry on a bag with clothing and other essentials. Check fees for additional luggage is getting ridiculous and avoiding a second luggage fee should be your goal. Consider stuffing some items like underwear and other clothing in your golf bag. That should help make room for other clothing in your carry on. You might also do some research to see if there are any airlines flying to your destination that don’t charge for extra baggage. There may be one or two, especially airlines that fly to popular golfing spots like Florida.
Make sure your golf bag is sturdy. Luggage loaders don’t really care what their loading and tend to lift and toss without regard for contents. Your golf club bag should be a solid, hard case that will take a heavy throw. If you can’t protect your clubs properly, you might end up with a driver in two pieces or you may be missing a club or two. It is also a good idea to bundle your clubs in sets of three and tape them, inserting them into the case upside down.
Misfortune could strike and you might get to your destination only to find your clubs didn’t make it. Immediately go to the baggage claim department and inform them of the situation. Usually they will track down your bag and get it to your hotel as quickly as possible. If they don’t arrive by the time you are set to tee off, most golf resorts or private courses will make special arrangements for you to use a set of their clubs. After all, you’re spending money, and they should appreciate your business.
Another option is to check into shipping your clubs separately via a shipping company that specializes in clubs. There are some companies that will pick up your clubs and ship them with insurance to the place you are staying. As long as the company is reputable, they will guarantee their work. Often times, when a group of golfers are headed to a tournament, they will use this option.
Finally, to avoid any pending disasters consider renting a set of clubs at the course you are playing on. Most courses have club rentals, and they are usually in excellent condition. The fee can’t be much more than what you would pay if you had to check your clubs as extra baggage back and forth on an airplane. Generally, the charge each way would be roughly $20. If you’re staying at a finer resort, you might even get a free rental as part of your golf package.
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