When traveling with Southwest Airlines, 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.
Southwest Airlines has a golfer-friendly baggage policy for those traveling with golf bags accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance.
Here’s a breakdown of the full Southwest Airlines Golf Bag Policy to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next golfing vacation in the United States.
Southwest Airlines Golf Bag Policy Overview
When flying with Southwest Airlines, golf bags are accepted as part of your standard checked baggage allowance.
Southwest allows two checked bags per passenger, which is beneficial for golfers as one of those can be your golf bag.
Both hard-sided and soft-sided golf travel cases are accepted and can include clubs, balls, shoes and other golf equipment.
Golf bags are not subject to the standard 62-inch size limit that applies to regular luggage, but weight restrictions still apply.
The policy means your golf bags must weigh 50 pounds or less to avoid additional fees. Overweight charges range from $150-$200.
Do golf clubs count as checked bag on Southwest Airlines?
Golf clubs count as a checked bag on Southwest Airlines, but they are treated differently from regular luggage in terms of size.
Golf bags are not subject to the standard 62-inch size limit but must adhere to the 50-pound weight limit to avoid additional fees.
From May 2025 passengers will need to pay for checked bags unless they have specific status or fare types that exempt them from these fees.
How much do Southwest Airlines charge for golf clubs?
From May 2025, golf clubs will only be included free of charge for certain ticket types. If checked bags are part of your fare type, you can get two free checked bags.
Your golf bag can be any size but must weight 50 pounds or less to avoid additional fees.
Overweight baggage fees are 51-70 pounds ($150 fee) and 71-100 pounds ($200 fee).
- RELATED: Delta Airlines Golf Clubs Policy
Do golf bags need to be checked into oversized baggage?
Golf bags on Southwest Airlines do not need to be checked as oversized baggage if they are within the weight limit of 50 pounds.
If your golf bag exceeds 80 inches in total dimensions, it cannot be checked as regular baggage and would need to be shipped as cargo.
Generally, most standard golf bags fit within these guidelines, so they can be checked as part of your regular baggage allowance without needing to be classified as oversized.
Do I need a special bag to fly with golf clubs?
While you do not need a “special” bag to fly with golf clubs, airlines, including Southwest Airlines, 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 South Airlines, there are no linear dimensions restrictions but the bag must not exceed 50 pounds to avoid extra fees.
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 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.