Are you a golfer who travels frequently with your clubs?

Us too! And after years of travelling with our golf clubs using most of the major airlines – we’re all too familiar with the complications of golf bag allowance policies and the added costs of checking your golf bags on flights.

In our experience golf bag allowance rules vary significantly among airlines, and it’s pretty much impossible to keep track of all the different policies.

So to help with your golf travel budgeting, we thought it would be a great idea to produce a guide on how to avoid excessive golf bag charges.

We highly recommend you use our Golf Baggage Fee Master Tool specifically built to help golfers to find the cost of flying with golf clubs on over 40 airlines all over the World.

We’ve also summarised the golf bag policies of some of the major airlines within this series of articles.

To tee-off below you will find the top airlines for golfers in the UK and Europe.

Whether you’re a seasoned golf travel pro or are planning your first trip this article is a must read. We’ll take a close look at the golf baggage allowance rules of the major UK & European domaestic airlines including what you can take and how much you might expect to pay.

PLUS we’ll provide some our top tips on how we save money when travelling with our clubs.

In Part 2 of our guides we will look into flying with golf clubs onboard US domestic and International airlines then Part 3 covers how to travel with your golf bag on the major International carriers such as Emirates, Qantas and Singapore Airlines

• What are golf bag charges
• The minefield of airline golf bag allowance policies
• Travelling with golf bags rules & charges for each of the major airlines
• Our top tips for travelling with your golf clubs
• FAQ’s about airline golf bag allowance policies

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 cover or not (and we’d recommend you use a golf travel bag 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 friend booked a trip to Portugal with a budget airline and paid just £135 for his flight, but then had an additional £400 in baggage charges at the airport!

We’ve been fortunate to have travelled all over the golfing globe using most of the major airlines.

So as with our popular Destination Guides and Itineraries we thought we’d use our personal experience to try and bring together a golf bag allowance comparison for the major UK & European Domestic airlines.

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 our guide should provide a good one-stop shop for you to avoid any major golf bag charges at the airport and be able to roughly calculate any additional costs!

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 cover or not (and we’d recommend you use a golf travel bag 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 friend booked a trip to Portugal with a budget airline and paid just £135 for his flight, but then had an additional £400 in baggage charges at the airport!

Let’s take a look at the detailsof the golf bag allowance for major UK and European based airlines…

Major UK & European Domestic Airlines for Golfers

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.

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.

The EasyJet golf bag allowance policy is one of the most confusing in the golf travel business – here we try to clear up some of the mystery!

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.

We’ve  just launched our 2024 Golf Holiday Brochures – See the full collection here>>

Do Finnair accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?

Yes!

According to the Finair golf bag allowance policy – 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 bags?

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 Bag Allowance Charges & Additional Information

Finnair Plus Gold and Platinum members are allowed to carry one set of golf equipment for free

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.

Do Iberia 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

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.

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

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.

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.

• Use a golf travel bag cover – either a top quality soft travel case like this Club Glove from Titleist or a protective hard case cover 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.
• We’d recommend you invest in a golf tavel cover with extra padding to protect your clubs – Ogio (a Callaway brand), have recently launched a new Alpha Mid range with extra cushion padding plus corner protection and side rails to keep your clubs secure and safe.
• Alternatively you can protect your iron heads by covering them with your socks! This is 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 golf bag 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 Send My Bag or My Baggage in the UK & Europe. Alternatively, if you are travelling from the US try  Ship Sticks  or Lugless.  These courier services will pick-up your clubs from your door or local collection point and deliver direct to your destination!

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