The biggest difference between traveling on airlines during golf vacations versus regular vacations is your clubs. Like everything in life, there are different ways to deal with this issue, so let’s look at a few.
The first question to ask yourself is whether or not to bring your own clubs. Renting clubs at your destination is an option, but not for most serious golfers. There is no question that renting your clubs at the destination golf resort would greatly simplify your air travel, but leaving your own clubs behind could simply be too painful for most golfers. When you are investing time and money into an enjoyable golf vacation, most golfers are going to want to experience that with the comfortable feel of their own clubs.
This brings us to how to best pack your clubs for the airplane flight. You will not be able to bring your clubs on board the plane as carry on, so they are left to the uncertainties of the baggage handlers for the airlines. You can purchase a travel bag for your clubs, and this decision may be made on the value of the golf clubs. A hard shell golf travel bag is an extremely durable piece of equipment that will offer your clubs the best protection. They are more expensive than the alternative, which is a soft golf travel bag.
If your golf clubs are very valuable, or you simply want to take every precaution to protect them, then go with the hard shell golf travel bag. If you are not as concerned, then the soft covered travel bag for your golf clubs should do just fine. Always put your clubs into their regular golf bags before placing them in the golf travel bag. Cover the heads to protect them. The golf travel bag can also be used to add some of your other travel items, since they have to be checked anyway. A hand cart at the airport is well worth it to help you get from baggage claim to your ground transportation.
You do need to consider the possibility of the golf clubs being lost somewhere along the way if you are traveling by air. You should check with your insurance agent about adding a valuable set of golf clubs to your homeowner’s policy on a special rider. You also need to keep good documentation of what you paid for the golf clubs.
Aside from the golf club issue, here some other general tips of interest for your air flight travel.
- Bring an appropriate photo ID to the airport.
- Arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight to not be rushed. If you are not at the gate at least ten minutes ahead of time, you may not be allowed to board the plane.
- Buying an e-ticket and checking in at home on your computer can prevent you from standing in long lines.
- Bring some books, magazines, and food in case you get stuck at the airport.
- You can start looking for good deals on your tickets up to one year from the date of the flight.
- Check with travel agents and internet web sites to find airline tickets for less.
- Check with the airline concerning prices for children or whether they are allowed to fly free.
- Check with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) for the latest list on permitted and prohibited items that you can bring on board the airplane.