When traveling with British Airways airline, as a golfer you will need to know the golf bag policy. We’ve got a handy and complete guide of everything you need to know.
British Airways, also known as BA, are one of the world’s most recognised airlines and ship your golf equipment to all corners of the globe from the UK and Europe to North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the British Airways golf bag policy to help you plan your golfing trip with ease including cost and weight allowances.
British Airways Golf Bag Policy Overview
British Airways allows passengers to bring golfing equipment as part of their checked baggage allowance.
Golf bags can be included as one item of your checked baggage allowance, provided your ticket includes checked baggage. If not, you will need to purchase baggage and add to your flight details.
Tickets with a checked baggage allowance, such as Economy (with checked bag), Premium Economy, Business, and First Class, allow golf bags as part of that allowance.
If you’re traveling on an Economy Basic fare, which has no checked baggage allowance, you will need to pay for an extra checked bag to bring your golf clubs.
Size Limit:
- Up to 190 x 75 x 65 cm (length + width + height) maximum oversized dimensions
Weight Limit:
- Economy (with checked bag): 1 bag at 23kg
- Premium Economy: 2 bags at 23kg each
- Business Class: 2 bags at 32kg each
- First Class: 3 bags at 32kg each
Gold and Silver Executive Club Members, oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, and AerClub Concierge and Platinum members may be entitled to additional baggage allowance.
How much do British Airways charge for golf clubs?
On British Airways, golf bags can be included as part of your checked baggage allowance if your ticket includes checked baggage.
Economy (with checked bag), Premium Economy, Business and First Class, allow golf bags as part of that allowance. For an Economy Basic fare you will need to pay for an extra checked bag to bring your golf clubs.
If your golf bag exceeds your free baggage allowance, you’ll also need to pay for extra baggage.
Prices are charged at £35-£80 for the first extra bag via an online booking and £75-£95 for an airport booking. For subsequent bags, the prices increase to £65-£140 for online booking and £75-£165 for airport booking
It’s important to note that golf bags must be packed in a protective bag or hard case and should not exceed the maximum weight limit for your ticket type.
That weight is typically 23kg for Economy and Premium Economy, and 32kg for Business and First Class.
Do golf bags need to be checked into oversized baggage?
Golf bags on British Airways are typically considered oversized or out-of-gauge bags because they are larger than the standard checked baggage dimensions of 90 x 75 x 43 cm.
However, they can still be checked as part of your regular baggage allowance if they fit within the maximum oversized dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65 cm and do not exceed the weight limit for your ticket type.
To ensure smooth handling, it’s recommended to check in your golf bag at the oversized bag drop at least 90 minutes before your flight.
You should also notify British Airways in advance if possible, especially if you’re bringing sports equipment like a golf bag
Do I need a special bag to fly with golf clubs?
It is recommended to use a protective golf bag or hard case to help protect your clubs during transit and ensure they are handled properly by airline staff.
While a standard golf bag can be used, it’s advisable to pack your clubs securely to prevent damage and ensure smooth handling through airport systems.
If you choose to use a hard case, it provides additional protection, especially if you’re concerned about the clubs being damaged during transport.
However, as long as your golf bag is well-packed and fits within the airline’s size and weight limits, it should be acceptable as part of your checked baggage allowance.
The key considerations when selecting a bag for flying with golf clubs are protection, durability, and airline requirements.
Protection and Durability
Hard-Sided Golf Travel Bags
These offer the highest level of protection against impacts, compressions, and the general handling that occurs with checked luggage. They are designed to protect your clubs from being damaged and are the preferred choice for air travel.
Soft-Sided Golf Travel Bags
These are lighter and often more convenient to store than hard-sided cases. Many soft-sided bags offer substantial padding and reinforced areas to protect the club heads.
While they may not provide as much protection as hard cases, high-quality soft-sided bags are suitable for air travel, especially if they are further secured with a stiff arm (a telescopic pole that extends above the height of the longest club to absorb impacts).
Airline Requirements
Airlines generally have guidelines for the size and weight of the golf bag but do not specify the type of golf bag you must use.
For British Airways, the golf bag must adhere to the following limits of maximum dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65 cm (length + width + height) and maximum weight of 23kg for Economy and Premium Economy and 32kg for Business and First Class.
Tips for Traveling with Golf Clubs
Padding
Regardless of the type of bag, use additional padding around club heads and ensure clubs are tightly packed to prevent movement.
Identification
Clearly label your bag with your contact information in case it gets misplaced.
Insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance and golf insurance policies that covers sports equipment, as airline liability for lost or damaged items may be limited.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.