When traveling with KLM 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.
KLM is also known as Royal Dutch Airlines and fly customers around the world from their Amsterdam base, ensuring golf equipment gets to North America, Europe, Asia and beyond.
This guide provides a detailed overview of KLM’s golf bag policy to help you plan your golfing trip with ease including cost and weight allowances.
KLM Golf Bag Policy Overview
KLM allows passengers to bring golf equipment as part of their standard checked baggage allowance, with some key information to remember depending on ticket type.
Golf bags count as regular checked baggage within the standard allowance. If your allowance is exceeded, you’ll need to purchase extra baggage allowance.
A golf set can be brought instead of a regular checked bag for passengers with Standard or Flex tickets. The golf set must consist only of clubs, balls, and a pair of golf shoes.
Size Limit:
- Up to 300 cm (length + width + height).
Weight Limit:
- Economy/Premium Comfort: 23 kg (50.5 lbs)
- Business Class: 32 kg (70.5 lbs)
Flying Blue Member Benefits
Flying Blue members have additional privileges as Ultimate, Platinum, Gold and Silver members can bring one golf bag (max 23 kg) containing only golf equipment.
This is not in addition to the standard baggage allowance, but replaces one piece of checked luggage.
How much do KLM charge for golf clubs?
A golf bag can count as a regular checked bag within your standard baggage allowance for free providing it is within the weight limits of 23 kg / 50.5 lbs for Economy Class passengers and 32 kg / 70.5 lbs for Business Class passengers.
If your golf bag exceeds the weight limit (23 kg for Economy and 32 kg for Business), you will incur excess baggage fees. These fees typically range from €20 to €100, depending on how much over the limit your bag is.
If you wish to check an additional golf bag beyond your standard allowance, you will need to pay for extra baggage. The cost for an additional piece of luggage can range from €55 to €100, depending on the route and ticket type.
Flying Blue Golf Club members can check in a golf bag for free with a voucher at check-in. Light ticket holders must pay a fee to check in golfing equipment.
Do golf bags need to be checked into oversized baggage?
Golf bags do not need to be checked in as oversized baggage when flying with KLM, provided they meet specific size and weight restrictions.
You will check in, then take your golf bag to the oversized baggage drop off point at the airport you are departing from.
Do I need a special bag to fly with golf clubs?
To fly with golf clubs on KLM, you do not necessarily need a special bag, but it is highly recommended to use a golf bag or a hard case designed for transporting golf equipment.
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 KLM, the golf bag must adhere to the following limits of maximum dimensions of 300 cm (length + width + height) and maximum weight of 23 kg (50.5 lbs) for Economy and Premium Comfort Class and 32 kg (70.5 lbs) for Business 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 policy that covers sports equipment, as airline liability for lost or damaged items may be limited.