To Ship Or Not To Ship?

CBearse · January 19

Going to Scotland from the US in early May this year. 4 total going, all taking clubs for a 10 day golf packed trip. Having never traveled with golf clubs, I am trying to decide whether to use a company like ship stick to ship my clubs or fly with them? I got a Club Glove Last Bag as a Christmas present, so if I fly with clubs I have the travel bag covered. I’m sure you guys have done both so what are your thoughts/opinions?

puttnforthe8 · January 19

7 minutes ago, CBearse said:

Going to Scotland from the US in early May this year. 4 total going, all taking clubs for a 10 day golf packed trip. Having never traveled with golf clubs, I am trying to decide whether to use a company like ship stick to ship my clubs or fly with them? I got a Club Glove Last Bag as a Christmas present, so if I fly with clubs I have the travel bag covered. I’m sure you guys have done both so what are your thoughts/opinions?

Depends

- if it is a direct flight? I would say NO. just see last bullet below.

- if not direct, do you have issue with the cost? The cost to ship intl will be a lot more than taking them on the plane.

- If cost is not an issue, then it is a decent option for consideration - it makes it so your bags are waiting for you and less to lug at any point (especially when you arrive - you can take a regular car, as opposed to needing something to haul clubs and luggage and the 4 of you)

- if cost is an issue, and you need to take on the plane, then make sure you have some buffer before your rounds. If you have a round upon landing/arriving, you may be w/o clubs if there is an issue.

- if you take them with you, add air tags, keep track on the app, get checked in early enough so it makes it on, etc. Or have/get Priority, so that you get a Priority sticker and such.

Abh159 · January 19

@puttnforthe8 has some good points. Especially related to costs.

Shipping from the US to Scotland is going to run you approximately $500 total (per person) with Shipsticks. You can do a quote on their site and mine was $450 to ship to Scotland and that is before any taxes or fees.

The other thing I'll add to the previous post is time. If shipping internationally with Shipsticks you'll need to ship your clubs at least a week beforehand (you also won't have them back for probably at least a week after). Basically you'll be without your clubs for a week leading up to your trip and a week after your trip if that matters to you.

CBearse · January 19

12 minutes ago, puttnforthe8 said:

Depends

- if it is a direct flight? I would say NO. just see last bullet below.

- if not direct, do you have issue with the cost? The cost to ship intl will be a lot more than taking them on the plane.

- If cost is not an issue, then it is a decent option for consideration - it makes it so your bags are waiting for you and less to lug at any point (especially when you arrive - you can take a regular car, as opposed to needing something to haul clubs and luggage and the 4 of you)

- if cost is an issue, and you need to take on the plane, then make sure you have some buffer before your rounds. If you have a round upon landing/arriving, you may be w/o clubs if there is an issue.

- if you take them with you, add air tags, keep track on the app, get checked in early enough so it makes it on, etc. Or have/get Priority, so that you get a Priority sticker and such.

Not direct, 1 layover abroad but first round is roughly 24 hrs after landing. Not hung up on cost, I figure if I’m going all the way over there I just want to have my clubs and not be playing a rental set I’m not familiar with…

Pepperturbo · January 19

I've traveled a great many miles, domestic and international, taking my clubs along in ClubGlove Burst Proof II with Stiff Arm. So far, knock on wood, they have always shown up at the arriving airport. There's a chance I'll be heading to Scotland and Germany next year. If so, we just might take a pvt flight. 😛

I can afford to pay whatever the costs are - except I can't convince myself to pay times two bags, and give up my clubs long before I leave and get them back long after I am home. For some travelers who don't play golf often, that may be acceptable, not for me.

hammergolf · January 19

My first question is where your layover is. If it’s London, ship your clubs. At the best of times it’s 50/50 if your clubs make it on time from Heathrow connections. If your connection is in the US you should be fine checking your bags. Cost is roughly double for Shipsticks, but if you don’t mind being without your clubs for a couple days before your trip and don’t mind the extra cost mailing them is a good choice.