Should I Fly With My Clubs?

[jholz]

Got a trip coming up and I'm a little reluctant to take my clubs on a plane these days. I can rent clubs without trouble at my destination. But, it's always nice to have your own. 

 

What do you folks think? If I do take them on the plane, what kind of travel bag is the best? Given my trepidation, the hard sided are looking good - but I know the soft bags with the "stiff arm" tend to be more popular. 

 

I will have some walking to do - taking the train from the airport. Besides the clubs, I will be traveling light. 

[Abh159]

Flown plenty of times recently with my clubs and (fingers crossed) no issues. The only time I every worry about flying with my clubs is if I have multiple connecting flights. Although in those situations I'm usually worried about all of my luggage.

 

I have a club glove collegiate and in my opinion it is THE BEST travel bag on the market. Hard cases are nice, but they will not fit in the trunk of a sedan or small SUV. Unless you're renting a van/big SUV or planning on using UBER XLs then a hard case isn't a good idea.

 

 

[jacob7071]

My first travel bag was a hard case.  Used it twice.  First time, one of the clips that keep the case closed came back broken (there were 3).  Got that one fixed, and the 2nd time, another one was broken.  Sheared completely off the case and couldn't be repaired.  Got a Club Glove after that (in 2012).  Zero issues since then.  I just wrap a towel around the clubheads and unscrew the driver head.  

[LeftyMatt24]

I use a soft shell case and have no issues with flying over 12 times with Cubs. 
 

things I do 

- take off all fairway and driver heads for carryon 

- have a club glove stiff arm to help against drops on top

- turn irons and wedges upside down 

- weave towels and extra clothes in the top to prevent movement 

- my bag has straps to help cinch and prevent movement. 
 

 

only downside if something happens because it is soft shell I would not get coverage 

[KMeloney]

I've had the same Club Glove for... 20 years or so now? It's still going strong. I recommend the Stiff Arm, too. I put iron neoprene covers on my irons, stuff my golf club in around the longer clubs, and extend the Stiff Arm to just beyond the length of my driver. Works like a charm. Also, if you need to, you can remove your golf bag from the CG and fold the CG in half to about the size of a backpack. 

[david.c.w]

50 minutes ago, KMeloney said:

I've had the same Club Glove for... 20 years or so now? It's still going strong. I recommend the Stiff Arm, too. I put iron neoprene covers on my irons, stuff my golf club in around the longer clubs, and extend the Stiff Arm to just beyond the length of my driver. Works like a charm. Also, if you need to, you can remove your golf bag from the CG and fold the CG in half to about the size of a backpack. 

 

+1 for club glove last bag and stiff arm.  Had it for 18 years and no issues.  Been on ~30 flights.

 

Never had an issue.  Taking heads off is of course best, but I am too lazy.

 

[PorkChopExpress]

Always take heads off.

 

Because places like LAX inspect your bag, after inspection they just shove everything back into the bag.
And it's all behind the scenes. 

 

Least Kauai, you can watch them inspect then ask if you can repack the bag. 

 

[Primo1868]

I’ve flown with my clubs in a soft travel bag 20 times over the last 10 years. Have never had an issue, nor have I even worried about having an issue. I do not do anything special but stuff the clubs in the bag. 

[2bGood]

SunMountain Club Glider here. If you have to drag a bag around it is a dream compared to regular bags.

 

Most soft side bags with a stiff arm or broom stick work great. I typically wrap club heads in a towel or rain gear to further protect them. I used to also remove my driver, three wood and hybrid heads and carry them on. I have not lately, but if you are worried that is some extra protection. Your irons are pretty tough so should not cause much concern. 

 

Airline losing clubs is another thing. had it only happen once and it was not really a big deal. The airline covered the cost of rentals and I got them the next day. Given I have flow with clubs 50ish times that success rate is pretty good.