Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

Particularly with Spirit Airlines? I'm flying internationally (to the Caribbean) this week and want to play a few rounds while I'm down there. I'm taking my bag in a soft travel case, but it's obviously over the maximum dimensions (hey, there's a golf bag inside), but not over the weight restrictions. Some airlines don't count golf clubs and other sporting equipment as oversized baggage, some do, and the customer disservice person I spoke to has no idea. If it ends up being considered "oversized" baggage, it would cost me $100 each way to fly with them, i.e. I wouldn't be able to play any golf on my vacation.

Anybody have any experience (good experiences, hopefully), traveling with their clubs (again, particularly with Spirit Airlines)?

Thanks!

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

I've flown hundreds of times with my clubs (the last 8 years in a big hard case) and not once have I been charged a fee. However I've never flown Spirit.

BO

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Golf Equipment
Golf equipment will be accepted as baggage - fees will apply and clubs must be within the baggage weight limits. A release form will also need to be signed by the customer for soft-sided golf bags.
One item of golf equipment consists of:
One golf bag, containing no more than 14 golf clubs
12 golf balls
One pair of golf shoes
A pull cart may be included if it is attached to the golf bag. Golf equipment should be enclosed with a cover to prevent loss of contents. Hard sided carriers are recommended.

[/ QUOTE ]

http://www.spiritair.com/welcome.asp...#GolfEquipment


What fee, I dunno.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

Actually this clears it up a little more.....

[ QUOTE ]
Q: Can I select my golf clubs as one of the baggage options?
A: Yes, golf clubs can be transported as normal baggage allowance if the clubs are within the weight limits. If you have one piece of checked baggage AND golf clubs, the second bag fee applies. If clubs are overweight, then overweight fees apply as well.






* All customers are allowed one free carry-on bag
* Customers are guaranteed up to five (5) bags if pre-purchasing online (Click here to pre-purchase bags now)
* Checked baggage is $5 per piece, each way in advance for the first two bags when purchased online and $10 per piece, each way at the airport. (Customers will receive a discount for the first two (2) checked bags when purchased online).
* Bags 3-5 are $100 per piece, regardless of purchasing online or at the airport on day of departure.
* Items that are overweight or oversized will continue to be weighed and sized at the airport, and fees collected when checking in.
* Golf club and boxes/containers are acceptable and can be prepaid online provided they meet weight and or size restrictions.
* Additional bags can be pre-purchased at anytime provided inventory is available. (No less than (1) hour prior to departure)
* All checked baggage fees are non-refundable
* Customers involved in a stop-over flight that involves a connection of over 4 hours will be charged based on point to point travel.



[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
What fee, I dunno.

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]

Excess Baggage

Excess/oversized/overweight luggage may be accommodated subject to space at the following charges per occurrence:

Excess Weight Fees:
51 to 70 lbs. (23 - 32 kg) $25
71 to 99 lbs. (32 - 45 kg) $100

Excess Size Fees:
62" + (158cm +) $100
80" + (203cm) $150


[/ QUOTE ]

That fee. One airline's website specifically says you won't get charged for oversize as long as it's as big or smaller than a standard hard shell case (even though it IS larger than the standard size allowance). Spirit doesn't say anything and their 800 number cue card readers don't know either. Was hoping one of you had actually flown with these clowns before.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Actually this clears it up a little more.....

[/ QUOTE ]

Not really... notice the text I've <font color="red">bolded</font>.

[ QUOTE ]
Q: Can I select my golf clubs as one of the baggage options?
A: Yes, golf clubs can be transported as normal baggage allowance <font color="red">if the clubs are within the weight limits</font>. If you have one piece of checked baggage AND golf clubs, the second bag fee applies. <font color="red"> If clubs are overweight</font> (<font color="red">says nothing about oversized</font>), then overweight fees apply as well.

* All customers are allowed one free carry-on bag
* Customers are guaranteed up to five (5) bags if pre-purchasing online (Click here to pre-purchase bags now)
* Checked baggage is $5 per piece, each way in advance for the first two bags when purchased online and $10 per piece, each way at the airport. (Customers will receive a discount for the first two (2) checked bags when purchased online).
* Bags 3-5 are $100 per piece, regardless of purchasing online or at the airport on day of departure.
* Items that are overweight or oversized will continue to be weighed and sized at the airport, and fees collected when checking in.
* Golf club and boxes/containers are acceptable and can be prepaid online provided they meet weight and or <font color="red">size restrictions</font> (<font color="red">wtf? so is it size restricted or not?</font>).
* Additional bags can be pre-purchased at anytime provided inventory is available. (No less than (1) hour prior to departure)
* All checked baggage fees are non-refundable
* Customers involved in a stop-over flight that involves a connection of over 4 hours will be charged based on point to point travel.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ambiguity ftw. See my reason for confusion and frustration?

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

Never flown on Spirit. Have flown with clubs on a few other airlines and never had a problem or charge fwiw..

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

I don't know how you're reading my posts but I wasn't trying to be a dick, I just thought you might not have seen those things yet. I still don't know exactly what the deal is, but although I haven't actually flown Spirit, I would venture to guess that they will NOT charge you $100 for bringing golf clubs, it's just too ridiculous a thing to do. The way I'm reading it is that they make a special exception on size for golf clubs but you still must remain within normal weight limits?

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know how you're reading my posts but I wasn't trying to be a dick, I just thought you might not have seen those things yet.

[/ QUOTE ]

I didn't think you were trying to be a dick. I did see all that before... was just highlighting the points of ambiguity on their site so you can see why I was confused. They don't mention size restrictions at all and just weight, then suddenly they talk about size restrictions. It's not clear at all.

[ QUOTE ]
The way I'm reading it is that they make a special exception on size for golf clubs but you still must remain within normal weight limits?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd imagine so... I'll probably end up getting to the airport earlier than I planned so I can go back to the car and leave them if it turns out they're going to try to rip me off.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Never flown on Spirit. Have flown with clubs on a few other airlines and never had a problem or charge fwiw..

[/ QUOTE ]


I have been told a time or two that the bag was overweight and subject to a fee, but...

I've had success by just saying, "when I booked the flight with your airline, I told them I'd have a big golf bag, and they assured me that it wouldn't be any problem."

But this was several years ago..

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

I have flown dozens of times with my clubs. I have never been charged an extra fee. I have used a soft carry bag ... the only issue is that on several occasions the soft bag has come out damaged (and on one occasion my golf bag itself was damaged too). I am giving up on the soft bag and am going to get one of the lightweight (apparently) hard cases.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

Alright... I called the airline again, waited for 45 minutes, and spoke to someone who actually knew the rule and was able to explicitly tell me "SIZE DOESN'T MATTER" (o rly? [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]).

Now I just have to get over the worry of the driver head snapping off.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Alright... I called the airline again, waited for 45 minutes, and spoke to someone who actually knew the rule and was able to explicitly tell me "SIZE DOESN'T MATTER" (o rly? [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]).

Now I just have to get over the worry of the driver head snapping off.

[/ QUOTE ]

I recently got the Club Glove travel bag and like it. Only flown once so far with it though. They make a thing that goes in your bag to help prevent clubheads from being snapped off. It is an expanding metal bar with a plastic top that they say prevents most instances of clubhead breakage. Check them out if you have time and don't already have something like it. Sun Mountain may also make one of these poles. Seemed to protect the clubs pretty well.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

I have flown with golf clubs on several different airlines and there has never been a fee. Even when I stuffed extra clothes in the bag and it was heavy as hell.

I do use a hard case. It cost about $130 but has been worth it considering the number of times I have flown without worry. Ever seen those baggage handlers throw stuff around? I love it when you can see them from the waiting area around the gate. LOL.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

I just flew on Spirit yesterday, if you folks haven't flown Spirit, you don't know how cheap they are. They have the lowest ticket prices I've ever seen, but $10 per piece of checked baggage? On a Florida-New Jersey flight, they are proud to offer complimentary water. Want a soda? Pony up $1. I wouldn't be surprised if Spirit charged you quite a bit to bring golf clubs on.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
Ever seen those baggage handlers throw stuff around? I love it when you can see them from the waiting area around the gate. LOL.

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Good job... your joke convinced me to buy a hardshell travel case. I remembered the time I sat on a plane with clear view of baggage handlers loading the cargo area. First thought in my head: "whew... good thing I don't have anything breakable in my luggage."

Returned the soft bag and bought a $99 hardshell case from The Sports Authority using a $25 gift certificate. Ended up costing $75.. just $50 more than what I originally bought except now I have the peace of mind knowing I won't have to pay $50-$100 to reshaft a broken driver.

Now let's just hope my bathroom scale is in the same ballpark as the one at the airport. I had to put my shoes in my carry-on because this thing is heavy.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

I wouldn't take clubs in a soft travel case. Most airlines wont cover the cost of damage if your clubs get broken during their handeling if they are in a soft travel case. I have had my hard travel case broken already by airlines so u can imagine how rough they are with golf clubs.usually they will pay for damages to clubs in hard cases.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

I just bought a hard case at GI Joe's for $60.

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Ever seen those baggage handlers throw stuff around? I love it when you can see them from the waiting area around the gate. LOL.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good job... your joke convinced me to buy a hardshell travel case. I remembered the time I sat on a plane with clear view of baggage handlers loading the cargo area. First thought in my head: "whew... good thing I don't have anything breakable in my luggage."

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a friend who works at Detroit Metro Airport on the luggage ramp. Pre 9/11 he and his buddies used to open golf bags for 'inspection.' This meant taking one or two top brand balls from one or two bags a day. Kept him stocked up for the season and like he said "who's going to notice one golf ball missing?"

You will be happy with your hard case, just remember you need a big trunk. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Anyone ever flown with golf clubs before?
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Ever seen those baggage handlers throw stuff around? I love it when you can see them from the waiting area around the gate. LOL.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good job... your joke convinced me to buy a hardshell travel case. I remembered the time I sat on a plane with clear view of baggage handlers loading the cargo area. First thought in my head: "whew... good thing I don't have anything breakable in my luggage."

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a friend who works at Detroit Metro Airport on the luggage ramp. Pre 9/11 he and his buddies used to open golf bags for 'inspection.' This meant taking one or two top brand balls from one or two bags a day. Kept him stocked up for the season and like he said "who's going to notice one golf ball missing?"

You will be happy with your hard case, just remember you need a big trunk. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

The hard shell won't help with the missing equipment in the post 9/11 era. If they want to open it, they will. I am always asked if the hard case is locked when I check it.

Also, no kidding on the size: It barely fits across the back seat of my Mazda 6 four door.

Also, I recommend checking at the curb if it is available - shorter line and *much* more likely to overlook a few pounds of "overweight" with just a $5-10 tip .