When traveling with Delta Air Lines, 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.

Golfers can rest easy knowing that the airline has a specific policy in place to accommodate needs when traveling with your clubs and golf gear.

Here’s a breakdown of the full Delta Air Lines Golf Bag Policy to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next golfing vacation.

Delta Air Lines Golf Bag Policy Overview

Delta Airlines has a comprehensive policy for travelers wishing to transport golf clubs.

Delta Airlines allows passengers to check in one golf bag as part of their standard baggage allowance. This bag can include one set of golf clubs.

It’s important to note that the golf bag counts towards the passenger’s standard checked baggage allotment, and if the bag exceeds the airline’s size and weight limits, applicable fees may apply.

The airline’s size and weight restrictions for checked baggage typically allow for bags up to 62 inches (157 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and up to 50 pounds (23 kg) in weight.

However, for golf equipment, Delta is somewhat lenient, recognizing that golf bags and clubs can be slightly longer than the standard size.

As long as the golf bag does not exceed the weight limit, it will usually be accepted without additional oversized baggage fees.

• RELATED: American Airlines Golf Clubs Policy

Flying With Golf Clubs On Delta

Delta is known for accommodating sports enthusiasts, including golfers, by allowing them to bring their equipment along as checked baggage.

Here’s a guide to help ensure a smooth experience when flying with your golf clubs on Delta:

Preparing Your Golf Clubs for Flight

Use a high-quality golf travel bag, preferably a hard case, to protect your clubs. Make sure to use head covers for your clubs and consider adding additional padding or a stiff arm device to prevent the clubs from moving and potentially getting damaged.

Your golf bag can be included as part of your standard checked baggage allowance. If you exceed your allowance in terms of number, size, or weight, extra baggage fees will apply. It’s crucial to check the latest baggage policies and fees on Delta’s official website before your trip.

Delta’s Golf Clubs Policy

Delta typically allows a golf bag to contain one set of golf clubs, golf balls, and tees. You can also include one pair of golf shoes. Ensure your bag does not contain prohibited items as per airline regulations.

For most flights, the checked baggage size limit is 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and 50 pounds in weight.

However, Delta provides a bit of leeway for golf bags, often waiving the oversized baggage fee for items slightly over the size limit, as long as they do not exceed the weight restriction. Always verify these details as policies can change.

Tips For A Hassle-Free Experience

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. This ensures that your golf clubs are checked properly and any potential issues can be addressed without rushing.

Clearly label your golf bag with your contact information, in case it gets misplaced.

Consider purchasing travel insurance and golf insurance that covers sports equipment, providing extra peace of mind in case of damage or loss.

If you’re traveling to a destination with inclement weather, keep in mind that delays can affect the handling of your baggage. Protective packing is even more critical in these cases.

• RELATED: Emirates Airlines Golf Clubs Policy

Do Golf Clubs Count As A Checked Bag Delta?

Yes, on Delta Airlines, golf clubs can count as one of your checked bags. Delta’s policy allows passengers to check in one golf bag as part of their standard baggage allowance.

This bag may include a set of golf clubs, although it’s essential to note that the golf bag is subject to the standard checked baggage policies regarding size and weight.

If your golf bag falls within these dimensions and does not exceed the weight limit, it will be counted as one of your checked pieces without incurring additional fees for being oversized or overweight.

However, if you exceed your baggage allowance or if your golf bag exceeds the allowed size and weight limits, applicable fees may be charged.

• RELATED: United Airlines Golf Clubs Policy

How Much Does Delta Charge For Golf Clubs?

Delta typically counts a golf bag as one piece of checked baggage within the passenger’s standard baggage allowance.

The fees for checking a golf bag, therefore, would align with Delta’s standard checked baggage fees, which vary depending on several factors such as your travel class, destination, and whether you’re a member of any Delta loyalty programs.

For most domestic flights within the United States, the first checked bag fee is commonly around $30, and the second checked bag fee is about $40, but these fees can vary.

For international flights, passengers are often allowed one or two free checked bags, but again, this can depend on the specific route and ticket type.

If your golf bag is within the airline’s size and weight limits for checked baggage (62 linear inches or 157 centimeters and 50 pounds or 23 kilograms), you should not incur additional charges beyond the standard checked baggage fees.

Are Golf Clubs Considered Oversized on Delta?

On Delta Airlines, golf clubs are generally not considered oversized as long as they adhere to the airline’s weight restrictions.

Delta’s baggage policy is relatively lenient towards sports equipment, including golf clubs, recognizing that such items often exceed standard baggage dimensions.

For most sports equipment, including golf bags, Delta allows items to exceed the standard checked baggage size limit of 62 linear inches (length + width + height) without imposing the oversized baggage fee, provided the weight does not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).

This means that while golf bags may technically be larger than the standard size limit for checked luggage, they won’t automatically incur oversized baggage fees solely based on their size.

Do I Need A Special Bag To Fly With Golf Clubs?

While you do not need a “special” bag per se to fly with golf clubs, airlines, including Delta Air Lines, highly recommend using a hard-sided golf travel bag for better protection of your clubs during transit.

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 Delta, the dimensions of the bag can be up to 62 inches (157 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height) and up to 50 pounds (23 kg) in weight.