Can You Take Golf Clubs on Holiday? Everything You Need to Know Before You Fly
- Feb 13
- 4 min read
If you’re planning a golf holiday, one of the first questions that usually comes up is:
Can you take golf clubs on holiday?
The short answer is yes — absolutely. Thousands of golfers fly with their clubs every single day. But there are rules, costs, airline policies and packing tips you need to understand before heading to the airport.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
Airline rules for travelling with golf clubs
How much it costs
How to pack them properly
Whether it’s better to hire clubs instead
What Hashtag Golf Travel recommends
And if you’re booking your next golf break, we’ll make sure your travel arrangements are sorted properly — because that’s what award-winning golf tour operators do.
Are Golf Clubs Allowed on Planes?
Yes. Almost all airlines allow golf clubs to be transported as sports equipment.
However, they are not usually included in your standard luggage allowance. They count as:
Sports baggage
Oversized baggage
Or a special add-on item
Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways all allow golf clubs, but the cost and process vary.
Typical Airline Rules
Must be pre-booked online (cheaper than airport payment)
Usually up to 20kg–23kg weight limit
Must be in a protective golf travel bag
Treated as hold luggage only (never cabin baggage)
At Hashtag Golf Travel, we always check baggage rules when helping clients book flights as part of their golf package — because surprise airport fees are not part of a relaxing golf holiday.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly with Golf Clubs?
Costs vary by airline and route, but here’s a general guide:
Airline | Approx Cost (Return) |
Ryanair | £70–£90 |
easyJet | £60–£80 |
British Airways | Often included if within weight allowance |
Low-cost carriers typically charge separately for sports equipment.
Long-haul flights sometimes include sports equipment within a generous checked baggage allowance — but always check.
When booking through Hashtag Golf Travel, we can:
Factor baggage costs into your package
Advise on best-value airlines
Recommend alternatives if club hire is better
That’s one of the reasons we’ve won 6 World Golf Awards — we think about the full experience, not just the golf course.
How to Pack Golf Clubs for a Flight
This is where many golfers get nervous.
Airlines handle thousands of bags per day. Your clubs need proper protection.
Use a Proper Golf Travel Bag
You have two main options:
Hard Case Travel Bag
Maximum protection
Heavier and bulkier
Ideal for long-haul or premium sets
Soft Padded Travel Bag
Lighter
Easier to store
Must be well packed internally
Protection Tips
Remove detachable club heads (especially drivers)
Wrap heads in towels or clothing
Use a stiff arm or travel support pole
Lock the bag if airline allows
Pro tip: Put an AirTag or tracker inside the bag for peace of mind.
What Are the Risks of Damage?
Damage is rare — but not impossible.
According to aviation industry reports, mishandled baggage rates are typically below 1% globally. However, golf bags are oversized, which increases handling risk.
To reduce risk:
Take photos of your clubs before flying
Check airline liability limits
Ensure your travel insurance covers sports equipment
When you book with Hashtag Golf Travel, we can advise on the right travel insurance for golf trips — including cover for:
Equipment damage
Delays
Missed rounds due to travel disruption
Should You Hire Golf Clubs Instead?
Sometimes, hiring clubs makes more sense.
When Hiring Might Be Better
Short 3–4 night breaks
City-based golf trips (Prague, Vienna, etc.)
When travelling with only cabin baggage
If airline fees are high
High-end resorts often offer premium club hire options from brands like TaylorMade or Callaway.
For example, at destinations such as Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort or Morgado Golf & Country Club, hire sets are high quality and perfectly suited to the course conditions.
However…
Most golfers prefer their own clubs. You know your distances. You trust your putter. You blame your swing — not unfamiliar equipment.
What About Golf Trolleys and Batteries?
This is important.
Manual push trolleys: Usually allowed as checked baggage
Electric trolleys: Must remove battery
Lithium batteries: Strict airline regulations apply
Most airlines require lithium batteries to be:
Carried in cabin baggage
Under specific watt-hour limits
Protected from short-circuiting
Always check airline guidance.
Can You Take Golf Clubs on a Golf Package Holiday?
Yes — and this is where booking with a specialist helps.
When you arrange a golf holiday through Hashtag Golf Travel, we can:
Book flights including golf baggage
Organise airport transfers large enough for golf bags
Ensure hotels have secure club storage
Advise on whether hiring makes more sense
Arrange group travel for 8+ golfers seamlessly
We’ve been operating since 2017 and have over 55 years’ combined experience in golf travel. That experience matters when coordinating flights, resorts and tee times across Europe and beyond.
Quick Checklist Before You Travel
Before heading to the airport, make sure you:
✔ Pre-book golf baggage
✔ Check weight limits
✔ Pack clubs securely
✔ Add tracker if possible
✔ Confirm transfer vehicle size
✔ Have golf travel insurance
If you’re unsure about any of the above, just ask us. That’s literally what we’re here for.
Final Verdict: Can You Take Golf Clubs on Holiday?
Yes, you absolutely can.
It’s straightforward when planned properly — and thousands of golfers do it every week without issue.
The key is understanding airline rules, protecting your equipment, and factoring in costs when planning your trip.
If you’re currently researching a golf holiday and wondering about flights, baggage or whether to hire clubs, speak to the team at Hashtag Golf Travel.
We’ve won 6 World Golf Awards for a reason. We don’t just book golf — we remove the stress around it.
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