Are you a golf lover who enjoys traveling and playing on different courses around the country or overseas? Or maybe you’ve bought a new set of golf clubs while traveling and are returning home.
Whatever the reason may be, you may have an upcoming flight with American Airlines and want to familiarize yourself with the airline’s golf bag policy.
In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about flying with golf clubs on American Airlines, such as:
- What counts as golf luggage on American Airlines?
- How much American Airlines charges for a checked golf bag.
- How to pack your golf clubs for flying.
- Tips for flying with golf clubs.
Summary
Golf Clubs in Carry On
- Golf clubs are not allowed to be brought onboard
Golf Bag as Checked Baggage
- Your golf bag can contain:
- Golf clubs
- Golf balls
- Golf tees
- 1 pair of golf shoes
- Standard checked baggage rules and fees apply.
- Oversized baggage fees are waived.
- American Airlines is not liable for damage to soft-sided golf bags and their contents.
Golf Equipment in Carry On
As you might expect, American Airlines does not permit golf clubs to be brought onboard.
This is not only an American Airlines rule – the Transport Security Administration (TSA) prohibits golf clubs in carry-on baggage for all airlines.
However, other types of golf equipment are allowed in the cabin.
For example, if you want to travel with an extra pair of golf shoes or pack some more golf balls or tees, these items can be packed in your carry-on.
Golf Bag as Checked Baggage
American Airlines allows the following types of golf equipment to be packed in your golf bag:
- Golf clubs.
- Golf balls.
- Golf tees.
- 1 pair of golf shoes.
However, the airline doesn’t allow swingless golf club load strips as they are classified as hazardous materials.
If you limit the contents of your golf bag to only the items above, American Airlines will waive oversized baggage fees for your bag.
However, if you pack other types of items, your golf bag can be subject to oversized baggage fees. We will go into more detail about this next.
Size Limit of Your Golf Bag
Your golf bag can be up to 126 linear inches (320 centimeters) in size, as long as your bag contains golf equipment only.
However, if you’re traveling from Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) in Spain, the length of the longest side of your bag, can be no more than 43 inches (110 centimeters).
If you pack other items, such as clothing or toiletries, the size limit of your golf bag will revert to the standard 62 linear inches (158 centimeters). It will also be subject to oversized baggage fees if it’s larger than 62 linear inches.
Measuring the Size of Your Golf Bag
Before measuring your bag, it should be packed with the equipment that you plan to travel with. This will provide you with more accurate measurements.
To determine the size of your golf bag, you would measure the bag’s outside length, width, and height, then adding these measurements together. Be sure to include any protruding wheels, handles, straps, and golf clubs with your measurements.
Maximum Size Limit for Golf Bags
American Airlines won’t accept golf bags, or any other type of checked baggage, which exceeds 126 linear inches (320 centimeters).
Weight Limit of Your Golf Bag
Your golf bag, when packed, can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms).
If it weighs more than this amount, it will be subject to overweight baggage fees. The fee will be payable when you check in at the airport.
American Airlines doesn’t accept sports equipment that weighs more than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
Baggage Fees for Golf Bags
When checking in your golf bag, it’s subject to American Airlines’ standard baggage fees, as long as it’s within the size and weight limits outlined above.
The table below shows the checked bag fees for domestic and international flights on American Airlines:
| Region | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd Bag | 4th+ Bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | $30 | $40 | $150 | $200 |
| Mexico | $30 | $40 | $200 | $200 |
| Caribbean | $30 | $40 | $200 | $200 |
| Central America | $30 | $40 | $200 | $200 |
| South America | Free | $65 | $200 | $200 |
| Transatlantic | Free | $100 | $200 | $200 |
| Transpacific | Free | $100 | $200 | $200 |
These baggage fees are per person, each way, and are non-refundable. You can pay for them online or at the airport. You may also qualify for free checked bags if you have elite status with American Airlines or its partners, or if you use certain credit cards.
Also, these baggage fees apply to most destinations within each of these regions, but exceptions do exist. You can read more about the specific baggage fees for each region in our post dedicated to American Airlines’ baggage fees.
Additionally, some destinations may have seasonal or permanent baggage embargoes in effect, which may limit the size, weight, or number of checked bags with which you can travel. You can find more information in our post about American Airlines baggage embargoes.
Oversized Baggage Fees
As mentioned previously, if your golf bag contains golf equipment only, including up to one pair of golf shoes, it will not be subject to oversized baggage fees.
However, if you pack other items unrelated to golfing, your golf bag will be subject to the standard oversized checked baggage fees.
In this instance, oversized baggage fees will apply for golf bags from 62 to126 linear inches (158 to 320 centimeters) in size.
The following table shows how much you’ll expect to pay for your oversized golf bag (if it contains non-golf items):
| Region | Oversized Golf Bag Fee (62 to 126 inches) |
|---|---|
| Domestic | $200 |
| Mexico | $200 |
| Caribbean | $200 |
| Central America | $200 |
| South America | $150 |
| Transatlantic | $150 |
| Transpacific | $200 |
The above oversized baggage fees apply to most destinations within each of these regions, but exceptions do exist. You can read more about the specific baggage fees for each region in our post dedicated to American Airlines’ baggage fees.
Also, some destinations may be subject to seasonal or year-round baggage embargoes. A typical baggage restriction for some of these affected destinations is oversized baggage. You can find more information in our post about American Airlines baggage embargoes.
Overweight Baggage Fees
American Airlines’ golf equipment policy does not include any exceptions for overweight golf bags. They will be subject to the airline’s standard overweight baggage fees.
Your golf bag is considered overweight if it weighs more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) but no heavier than 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
American Airlines won’t accept sports equipment that weighs more than 70 pounds. This differs from the airline’s weight limit for standard checked baggage, which is 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
The following table shows the baggage fee for overweight golf bags, based on the region you’re traveling to:
| Region | Overweight Golf Bag Fee (51 to 70 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Domestic | $100 |
| Mexico | $100 |
| Cuba | $200 |
| Caribbean (except Cuba) | $100 |
| Central America | $100 |
| South America | $100 |
| Transatlantic | $100 |
| Transpacific | $100 |
The above overweight baggage fees apply to most destinations within each of these regions, but exceptions do exist. You can read more about the specific baggage fees for each region in our post dedicated to American Airlines’ baggage fees.
Also, American Airlines may have seasonal or year-round baggage embargoes for certain destinations. A typical baggage restriction for some of these affected destinations is overweight baggage. You can find more information in our post about American Airlines baggage embargoes.
How to Pack Your Golf Clubs for Flying
Packing your golf clubs properly is essential to protect them from damage during transit.
In this section we’ll provide some tips on how best to pack your golf equipment. We’ll also explain how your choice of golf bag can affect American Airlines’ responsibility for it.
Limitations of Liability
American Airlines will accept responsibility for any damage that may occur to your bag in transit only if your golf equipment is packed in a hard-sided golf bag.
If your golf bag is soft-sided, the equipment will be treated as a fragile item. When checking in at the airport, you’ll be required to sign a limited liability release form, absolving the airline of any responsibility for damage that may occur while the bag is in the airline’s custody. There’s nothing worse than getting a “hole-in-one” of your bags (sorry).
Tips on How to Pack Your Golf Bag
Here are some handy tips on how to pack your golf clubs for your next flight:
- Use a hard-sided case that is designed for golf clubs. Make sure it has locks, wheels and handles for easy transportation.
- Remove the club heads from the shafts if possible, or use head covers to protect them.
- Wrap each club individually with bubble wrap or towels.
- Fill any empty space in the case with clothes, towels or newspapers to prevent the clubs from moving around.
- Secure the case with tape or straps.
- Attach a luggage tag with your name and phone number to the case.
- Check the weight and size of the case before you leave for the airport.
What to Do at the Airport
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll have to check in your golf bag at the ticket counter. You can’t check in your golf bag at the curbside or at the gate.
You’ll also have to pay the applicable baggage fees for your golf bag, unless you’re eligible for free checked bags. You can pay the fees online or at the counter.
After checking in your golf bag, you’ll have to drop it off at a designated area for oversized or special items. You may be asked to open up your bag for inspection, to confirm that only golf equipment is packed inside it. Make sure you get a receipt or a tracking number for your golf bag.
When you arrive at your destination, you’ll have to pick up your golf bag at the baggage claim area. Look for signs that indicate where oversized or special items are found. If you can’t find your golf bag or if it’s damaged, report it immediately to an American Airlines representative.
Tips on Flying with Golf Clubs
Flying with golf clubs can be a hassle, but it can also be a rewarding experience if you follow some simple tips:
- Check the weather forecast and course conditions before you book your flight. You don’t want to fly with your golf clubs only to find out that it’s raining or snowing at your destination.
- Book your flight early and choose a direct flight if possible. This will reduce the chances of losing or damaging your golf clubs during transit.
- Consider renting golf clubs at your destination instead of flying with yours.
- Buy travel insurance that covers your golf clubs in case they get lost, stolen, or damaged. You can also check if your homeowners or renters’ insurance covers your golf clubs when you travel.
- Use a hard-sided golf bag for your golf equipment. American Airlines doesn’t accept liability for damage for soft-sided golf bags.
- If you’re traveling with a soft-sided golf bag, consider packing your golf balls, tees, and shoes in your carry-on, to better protect these items. This will also provide you with more room in your golf bag to better insulate your golf clubs from potential damage.
- Include your contact information inside the bag. Your luggage tag and/or the airline’s baggage tag may become detached during transit.
- Take photos of your golf clubs before you pack them and after you unpack them. This will help you prove the condition of your golf clubs in case you need to file a claim.
- Arrive at the airport early and check your golf bag at the counter. You won’t be able to use the curbside or self-service check-in options.
- Consider shipping your golf clubs instead of flying with them. There are several companies that offer this service, such as Ship Sticks, Luggage Forward, and LugLess. They can pick up your clubs from your home or office and deliver them to your hotel or golf course. This way, you can avoid the inconvenience and fees of checking your golf bag on American Airlines.
Related: Flying with Golf Clubs on a Plane
Final Thoughts
Flying with golf clubs on American Airlines is quite straightforward. Your golf bag follows the airline’s standard baggage polices and fees, with one welcome exception: as long as your golf bag holds golf equipment only, oversized baggage fees are waived by the airline.
However, there is one important thing that you should consider. American Airlines doesn’t accept liability for golf equipment packed in a soft-sided bag.
Remember to always check American Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.
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