Should I ship my golf clubs or check them on my flight?
It is a question we get a lot: Should I ship my golf clubs to my destination before I travel or carry them on my flight(s)? There is not a universally correst answer as there are a variety of factors. Here are some of the top considertaions to make the best decision for you and your group:
What is the cost difference?
Perhaps the most important factor is the cost of checking a golf bag vs the cost of shipping with a company like Ship Sticks. Airlines typically consider a golf bag a standard oversized bag and fees to check it will vary depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have purchased. However, it is almost always under $100 and pretty resonable. Meanwhile, shipping your golf bag internationally is convenient but it will cost you (at least) double what it would to check it on your flights. You can click HERE to get a quote through Ship Sticks.
Are you traveling elsewhere before or after your golf trip?
If you have booked any leisure travel before or after the golf portion of your trip then lugging your golf clubs around for those additonal days is likely more trouble than it is worth. In this scenario, we always recommend shipping your clubs before you arrive or after you depart (depending on when the non-golfing portion of the trip is booked). The one-way shipping fare will not break the bank and will save plenty of hassle.
Do you have any layovers on your flight itinerary?
If there are layovers, especially short ones, as part of your flight itinerary then this will increase the chance that your golf clubs don’t make it with you to your destination on time. There is no hard and fast rule but if you have a layover under 90 minutes (especially at a busy/large airport) then you may want to consider shipping your clubs to ensure they arrive on time.
How important are YOUR clubs to YOU?
Ask yourself: If you stand on the first tee of the first round of your trip with a rental driver, how much will this impact your psyche or enjoyment of that special round? There is no right or wrong answer to the question. Most of the best golf coruses have top-of-the-line rental sets that work perfectly fine for some golfers in a pinch, if their clubs haven’t arrived with them on their flight. For others, having to play with anything other than their own clubs is a good way to ruin the trip. If you are the latter, then shipping your clubs in advance to ensure they are there when you arrive may be the best option.
On a related note, if you do choose to ship clubs in advance then you have to be mindful that they will be picked up at least 7+ days in advance, meaning that you may be without them as you put in your final practice before your trip. Similarly, if you have any golf events or rounds scheduled soon after your return home then be mindful that you may be without your clubs for several days during shipping.
Will the hotels and golf courses on your itinerary help with club storage?
Suprisingly, not every golf course or hotel is willing to hold clubs if they arrive before you do or if you have to leave them for pickup after your departure. If you do choose to ship you clubs please make sure that the outside services team at the golf club(s) or the reception team at the hotel(s) is prepared to help store them and help with dropoff or pickup.
Do you have mobility issues or any concerns taveling with golf clubs?
Obviously, if you have mobility issues and the reality of lugging a heavy and large golf travel bag through the aiport(s) and elsewhere is not feasible then a company like Ship Sticks is a great option to take out the hassle.
