Golfers pay tens of thousands of Pounds, Dollars and Euro’s every year to fly with their golf bags around the world.

It’s a confusing process to work out how much each airline charges and what you can or can’t pack into your golf bag before you fly.

That’s why we’ve put together this three part guide to flying with your golf bag.

Part 1 covered the UK & European Domestic Airlines. Part 2 focused on US Domestic airlines like United & South West. In this the final part of our guide we will look at the golf bag allowance policies for the major International airlines used by golfers during their travels.

So let’s get ready to check-in and save some extra cash to spend at the clubhouse rather than before we even get our bags on the plane!

• How to avoid excess baggage fees when flying with golf clubs
• Travelling with golf clubs rules & charges for each of the major international airlines
• Our top tips for travelling with your golf clubs
• FAQ’s about flying with golf clubs

The world is full of stunning golf courses and golfers are getting more advneturous in the countries they want to explore.

But there’s a major hurdle to getting from home to a golf course 3000 miles away! How do you fly with your golf clubs?

The good news is that it doesn’t have to a major problem.

Most airlines now treat golf bags as regular checked-in luggage.

However, each airline has it’s own baggage and excess baggage policy so if you’re normal suitcases plus your golf bags go over the given allowance then you could be in for a nasty shock with additional baggage fees charged at check-in!

To complicate it further these fees can vary depending on the airline, the route,the type of ticket and class of travel.

We thought it would be useful for our golfing community if we shared our experience of travelling around the golfing globe for the past 40 years – and having fallen victim to excess bag fees more times than we care to remember!

So if you’re travelling with your golf bag further afield feel free to use this guide to know before you go, and save yourself serious cash before you even get out of the check-in area!

Golf Bag Allowance Policies & Charges by Airline.

Does Air Canada accept flying with golf clubs as part of the personal baggage allowance?

Golf clubs and 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.

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.

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.

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.

Does Qatar Airways accept golf bags as part of the personal baggage allowance?

Yes. Qatar Airways accepts any sporting equipment as checked baggage as part of the free checked baggage allowance mentioned on your ticket.

Any sporting equipment that exceeds the free allowance will be subject to excess baggage rates.

What are the size & weight restrictions on golf baggage with Qatar Airways?

The weight restrictions vary depending on type, route and cabin class of your ticket.  Economy passengers are limited to a maximum of two checked bags weighing no more than 23kg each.  Business and First class passengers have an top allowance of 2 pieces weighing no more than 32kg each.

Your allowance may also vary depending on your Oneworld or Privilege membership status. You should check this page before you fly to make sure you have the right baggage allowance information.

Qatar Airways Golf Baggage Fees & Additional Information

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.

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.

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.

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.

It’s not always easy to see all the information you want about a golf holiday from a website especially when you are using a small screen!

So we’ve put together a new range of digital golf holidays full of key information and images from our 2024 golf holidays.

Click below to see the full library and then browse at your leisure – you can even share the brochure with friends and family!

• Always use a good quality golf travel bag cover – either a soft case or better still 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.
• Whether you choose a hard or soft cover bag make sure you get one with wheels! Being able to easily A great set of wheels can make all the difference between gliding from A to B or having to lug 14 clubs and half your wardrobe around an airport.
• Invest in a product like a Stiff Arm club protector that will support the top of your travel bag and prevent anything crushing down on your club heads during travel.
• 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 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!