Flying with a golf bag: how to travel loaded at the best price?

As a true golf enthusiast, there is no question of depriving yourself of your passion during your vacation. Especially since many hotels and leisure clubs offer access to beautiful greens that you can't wait to play on.

But is it safe to carry your favorite equipment on a plane? Is such luggage allowed by the different airlines? Blue Valet helps you to see more clearly.

 

 

1. How to register your golf bag?

 

From Andalusia to Morocco, Portugal, the Canary Islands and Tenerife, there are many destinations that offer beautiful playgrounds for amateur and professional golfers. If long-haul flights don't scare you, you might want to practice at Nullarbor Links in Australia. With 1,367 kilometers between the 18 holes, it's the largest green in the world.

But in order to achieve your goals, you'll need to consider the conditions for transferring your equipment. If you can't give up bringing your own equipment, a few tips will be of great help to you. It's not so easy to travel loaded and fly with golf clubs. Not only is this type of equipment quite heavy and cumbersome, but airlines impose restrictions on the amount of luggage carried by each passenger.

The first thing to note is that, as you might expect, you won't be able to take your precious golf clubs in the cabin. They will be placed in the hold, along with other luggage such as suitcases and sports bags, regardless of the type of equipment carried. As a general rule, only one piece of checked luggage is included in the price of an airline ticket. This means that your golf bag will most likely be considered an extra piece of luggage. Since baggage policies vary from one airline to another, it's best to find out beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of departure.

 

2. How much can I expect to pay to transport my golf clubs in the hold?

Fares vary according to various criteria, such as weight and bag size. The additional cost, if any, will depend on the total number of bags in the hold. If you're traveling with a lot of luggage, you may want to factor this into your budget.

Fortunately, some airlines are more flexible with golfers. If you are traveling with Emirates or Air France, your equipment can be transported in the same way as a standard piece of luggage placed in the hold (under certain conditions). However, if you have booked your flight with a low-cost carrier, you will have to pay an additional baggage fee.

Blue Valet tip: subscribing to the airline loyalty program can save you money when you decide to transport sports equipment. For example, if you have a Flying Blue card, your golf bag will be transported to your destination free of charge!

 

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3. How to protect your golf equipment?

 

Everyone has had the unpleasant experience of discovering that their suitcase has been mishandled during transport in the hold. Operators have to deal with very tight deadlines and manage a large quantity of baggage, sometimes very heavy. In addition, the take-off and landing phases can lead to more or less significant damage to luggage, especially if it has not been properly secured beforehand.

Under these conditions, you must absolutely take some measures if you do not want your precious equipment to be damaged during handling and transport.

The first investment you should make if you want to keep your clubs intact is to purchase a special carrying bag. You don't want to take your shopping cart to the airport! A tripod bag is a great way to carry your clubs and keep them in shape during your training sessions.

With three flip-up legs, this accessory will make it easier to get to your clubs without having to bend down. Most models have multiple dividers to keep clubs separate. For optimal support, you'll need to join each compartment with an elastic band.

Your goal will also be to protect your equipment from possible shocks during handling and flight. In case of turbulence, luggage can be thrown against the walls of the hold or violently shaken. To reinforce the protection offered by your tripod bag, do not hesitate to wrap each club in bubble wrap.

Securely fasten your pack with adhesive tape. Make sure there are no gaps. If necessary, feel free to pad the bag. You can use cushioning material or newspaper rolled into a ball to hold it together.

Remember to protect the container as well as the contents. A tripod bag can cost several hundred dollars. Don't forget to wrap the legs and the bag itself, to avoid damage or dirt.

 

4. Save time with Blue Valet

Can't imagine carrying your golf equipment and luggage on public transportation or the shuttle bus to the airport terminal? To travel with a clear mind and stay focused on the essentials, consider booking your valet parking on the Blue Valet website.

On departure, as on arrival, your valet will be waiting for you at the airport drop-off point. Thanks to the online reservation, which can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure, your procedures will be simplified. You will be able to go directly to the boarding gate without wasting time looking for a parking space, at the risk of missing your flight! Of course, your golf equipment will be transported in complete security.

 

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