Used to be, all you needed to travel with your golf clubs was an ability to stuff your clothes into one bag and a case to put your golf bag into for your second piece of checked luggage.  Not so anymore!  Recently I was helping my uncle, who visits from England every summer,  figure out how to get his golf clubs from LAX (he keeps a set in the US) to Chicago for a family reunion.  Here’s what I found out:- Getting checked bags on any domestic flights has become a luxury!  Most airlines, to make up for the high cost of fuel, are now charging at least nominal fees for checked luggage.  Most still (as of Aug, 2008) give you one carry-on bag, but watch out because that’s changing.  If you’re traveling a budget airline, expect to pay $50 and more to check your bags.

- Golf clubs are heavy.  Even if you do get a checked bag with your ticket price, weigh your clubs in their travel bag before you go to the airport.  Golf clubs are heavy and many of the airlines that still allow checked bags have lowered their weight limits.  Check with your carrier before going to the airport as to the number of checked bags allowed and how much they can weigh- you don’t want to get slapped with unexpected fees when you’re trying to get through airport security.

- Unless you’re going on to the super-packer championships you’re probably not going to be able to fit all your clothes into one very small carry-on.  Used to be, I could smile nicely and carry on my purse, my laptop bag and my roll-away suitcase.  Not anymore.  I was shocked last time I flew when they actually made me stuff all my things into one of those little ‘your bag must fit here’ boxes and then made me check my roll-away suitcase.  If you’re counting on your carry-on for your clothing, measure it’s dimensions (including wheels!) to make sure you don’t get caught at the departure gate.

- Other options are springing up everywhere!  Ahh capitalistic society.  There’s a need for people to travel with more stuff, so industry is figuring out how to make some money off of it.  Check out USPS, UPS and even DHL for new rates on how to get your bags to your destination.  This can be especially helpful on the ride home – just fill a bag with your dirty clothes, ship it slow rate by land or ship, and do the laundry whenever it gets there.  Use your suitcase to carry home your souvenirs.

In conclusion…

Unless you fancy yourself Tiger Woods, it’s cheaper to rent (at the course)or buy (2nd hand stores abound) a set of temporary golf clubs when you get to your destination than it is to ship them or travel with them in many circumstances.  Rental prices will depend on the quality of the clubs you’re getting.  If you don’t care much about quality, you can usually find some used clubs at the 2nd hand store and just re-donate them when you get back for the tax write-off of their initial purchase price.  Especially if it’s a place you go frequently, like my uncle and coming to LA, it’s worth it to just keep a set of clubs with friends.  That way, whenever he comes he can hit the new PGA of Southern California course with his own clubs without having to get them through customs.  You might also ask around and see if someone has a set you can borrow.

Happy Golfing and safe travels!

Thanks to caymangirl for the photo.

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