Shipping golf clubs can often be a source of anxiety for golfers traveling with their prized possessions. Will they arrive safely? How much will it cost? What are the rules? If you're flying Southwest Airlines, you're in luck because they've historically been known for a more generous baggage policy. However, significant changes were implemented starting May 28, 2025, so it's crucial to understand the updated landscape.
Let's break down everything you need to know about shipping your golf clubs on Southwest Airlines, step by step, to ensure a smooth and predictable journey for your gear.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Ace Your Travel Game? Understanding Southwest's Updated Baggage Policy for Golf Clubs
Before you even think about packing, it's absolutely vital to grasp Southwest's current baggage policy, especially concerning sports equipment like golf clubs. Historically, Southwest was celebrated for its "Bags Fly Free" policy, offering two free checked bags to all passengers. However, this is largely no longer the case for most fare types for flights booked or voluntarily changed on or after May 28, 2025.
The New Standard: For most passengers on "Basic," "Wanna Get Away Plus®," and "Anytime" fares, you will now pay for checked bags. The first checked bag is typically $35, and the second is $45.
Golf Clubs as Checked Bags: Southwest generally allows one golf bag (containing clubs, balls, and shoes) to count as one item towards your checked baggage allowance.
Weight and Size Limits: Each checked bag, including golf bags, must adhere to a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and a maximum linear dimension (length + width + height) of 62 inches (158 cm).
Exceptions to the Rule:
Business Select® Fare: If you've purchased a Business Select® fare, you still receive two free checked bags.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred Members: These elite members continue to get their first two checked bags for free.
Rapid Rewards® A-List Members and Southwest Credit Cardmembers: You'll typically receive your first checked bag for free.
Active Duty Military: Active duty military personnel still generally receive free checked bags.
The key takeaway here is to verify your specific fare type and any loyalty status you hold, as these will directly impact your golf club shipping costs. Don't assume your bags will fly free!
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| How Much Does It Cost To Ship Golf Clubs On Southwest Airlines |
Step 2: Bagging Your Birdie: Preparing Your Golf Clubs for Travel
Proper preparation is paramount to ensure your golf clubs arrive at your destination safe and sound. Skipping this step can lead to damaged clubs and a very unhappy golf trip.
Invest in a Quality Travel Bag: This is non-negotiable.
Hard-Sided Cases: These offer the most protection and are highly recommended, especially if your clubs are valuable or you're concerned about potential damage. They can be bulky but provide superior impact resistance.
Soft-Sided Travel Bags: While more lightweight and easier to maneuver, they offer less protection. If using a soft-sided bag, look for one with ample padding and reinforced areas.
Protect Individual Clubs:
Remove Driver/Fairway Wood Heads: If your clubs have adjustable heads, it's wise to remove them and store them securely within your golf bag or a separate personal item. This reduces the risk of damage to the shaft or head.
Use Iron Headcovers: Place individual headcovers on your irons to prevent them from clanking against each other and causing scratches or dings.
Stiff Arm/Club Protector: Consider using a "stiff arm" or similar club protector. This adjustable pole extends taller than your longest club, taking the brunt of any vertical impact and preventing your club shafts from snapping.
Bundle Your Clubs: Use a towel or bubble wrap to bundle your irons together, and then secure them with a strap or tape to minimize movement inside the bag.
Pack Smart:
Weight Distribution: Try to distribute the weight evenly within the travel bag.
Limited Extra Items: Avoid packing too many extra items (shoes, balls, accessories) in the golf travel bag, as this can easily push you over the 50-pound weight limit. Consider putting shoes or extra balls in a separate checked bag or your carry-on.
Identification: Clearly label your golf travel bag with your name, phone number, and destination address both inside and outside the bag. Consider adding an AirTag or similar tracking device for extra peace of mind.
Step 3: The Price of Par: Calculating Your Potential Costs
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Now for the part everyone wants to know: the cost! With Southwest's updated policies, the pricing structure for golf clubs is more aligned with general checked baggage fees, plus potential surcharges.
Base Checked Bag Fees (for most fares booked/changed after May 28, 2025):
First Checked Bag (Golf Clubs): $35 (one-way)
Second Checked Bag (e.g., your suitcase): $45 (one-way)
Overweight Fees (if your golf bag exceeds 50 lbs):
51-70 lbs: An additional $150 (one-way)
71-100 lbs: An additional $200 (one-way)
Important Note: If your golf bag is both oversized and overweight, Southwest typically charges only one combined fee, which is the higher of the two applicable fees, as long as it doesn't exceed 100 lbs.
Oversized Fees (if your golf bag exceeds 62 linear inches but is 80 inches or less):
An additional $200 (one-way)
Note: Southwest states that "excess size charges [for golf equipment] waived; excess weight charges may apply" in some policy documents. However, recent updates suggest a $200 oversized fee for bags between 63-80 inches. It is crucial to verify this directly with Southwest or on their official website, as policies can be nuanced and change. For golf equipment, generally, the oversize fee is often waived, but the overweight fee still applies. Always double-check the most current policy directly with Southwest.
Bags Over 100 lbs or Over 80 Linear Inches: Any item weighing over 100 lbs or exceeding 80 linear inches will not be accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo. This is a separate, more complex, and typically more expensive process handled by Southwest Cargo.
Example Scenarios (one-way, assuming non-Business Select/A-List Preferred fare):
Scenario 1: Perfect Package
Your golf bag weighs 48 lbs and is within 62 linear inches.
Cost: $35 (as your first checked bag)
Scenario 2: A Little Heavy
Your golf bag weighs 55 lbs but is within 62 linear inches.
Cost: $35 (first checked bag) + $150 (overweight fee) = $185
Scenario 3: The Big Bat (assuming oversized fee applies for golf clubs in current policy)
Your golf bag weighs 48 lbs but is 65 linear inches.
Cost: $35 (first checked bag) + $200 (oversized fee) = $235
Scenario 4: Double Whammy
Your golf bag weighs 60 lbs and is 65 linear inches.
Cost: $35 (first checked bag) + $200 (oversized fee, as it's the higher charge between overweight and oversized) = $235 (if the oversized fee for golf clubs applies per the latest interpretation). If the oversized fee for golf clubs is waived and only overweight applies, it would be $35 + $150 = $185. This highlights the importance of checking current specifics!
Always consult the official Southwest Airlines website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date and definitive information on fees. Policies can change!
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Step 4: Teeing Up at the Airport: Check-in Process
Once your golf clubs are expertly packed, it's time to head to the airport. The check-in process for golf clubs is similar to that for any other checked baggage, but with a few considerations.
Arrive Early: Especially if you anticipate your golf bag being oversized or overweight, allow yourself plenty of extra time at the airport. This gives you leeway to address any unexpected issues or pay additional fees without rushing.
Designated Baggage Drop: Look for the designated "Oversized Baggage" or "Special Baggage" counter at the Southwest check-in area. While golf bags might be accepted at regular counters if they meet standard dimensions, larger bags often need special handling.
Declaration: Inform the agent that you are checking a golf bag. They will likely weigh and measure it.
Pay Any Fees: If your golf bag is overweight or triggers any applicable oversized fees, you will pay these directly to the Southwest agent at the counter. Southwest does not typically allow you to prepay for checked baggage or special items online.
Limited Release Tag: Be aware that for fragile or specially handled items like golf clubs, airlines may ask you to sign a "Limited Release" tag. This basically means you acknowledge that the airline is not liable for certain types of damage if the item is not properly packed or if damage occurs due to the inherent nature of the item. While frustrating, it's a common practice. This is another reason why proper packing in a hard-sided case is so crucial.
Step 5: Beyond the Green: Alternative Shipping Methods
While checking your golf clubs with Southwest is a viable option, it's not the only option. For some, alternative shipping methods might offer more convenience or even be more cost-effective depending on your specific needs.
Dedicated Golf Club Shipping Services (e.g., Ship Sticks, Luggage Forward):
How it works: These services specialize in shipping golf clubs door-to-door (or from your home to the golf course/hotel). You schedule a pickup, print a label, and they handle the rest. Your clubs arrive before you do, and you avoid the airport hassle entirely.
Benefits: Convenience, often include insurance, real-time tracking, no airport lines or baggage claim, and can be competitive in price, especially for heavier or multiple bags.
Considerations: Requires planning ahead, prices vary based on speed and distance, and it's a separate cost from your airline ticket. However, if your golf bag is consistently overweight or oversized, the combined airline fees might make these services a more attractive option.
Standard Shipping Carriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS):
How it works: You can pack your golf clubs yourself (ideally in a sturdy box or a travel case) and ship them via a standard carrier.
Benefits: Potentially lower cost for slower shipping, wide network of drop-off points.
Considerations: Requires more effort in packaging, may not include specialized insurance for golf clubs, and timing needs to be carefully managed to ensure arrival before you need them.
Choosing the right method depends on your budget, time constraints, and desire for convenience. For many golfers, especially those with expensive clubs or a dislike for airport baggage procedures, dedicated shipping services are becoming an increasingly popular alternative.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the process of shipping your golf clubs on Southwest Airlines in 2025. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to travel fees, so always verify the latest information directly with the airline. Happy golfing!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to calculate the linear dimensions of my golf bag?
To calculate the linear dimensions, simply add the length, width, and height of your golf bag (including wheels and handles). For example, if your bag is 50 inches long, 15 inches wide, and 10 inches high, its linear dimension is inches.
How to avoid overweight fees for my golf bag?
To avoid overweight fees, ensure your golf bag and its contents weigh 50 pounds (23 kg) or less. Consider moving heavier items like extra balls or golf shoes to another checked bag (if you have allowance) or your carry-on luggage.
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
How to protect my golf clubs from damage during travel?
Invest in a hard-sided travel case for maximum protection. For soft cases, use a "stiff arm" club protector, remove adjustable club heads, use headcovers on all clubs, and pad any empty spaces in the bag to prevent movement.
How to track my golf bag after checking it in with Southwest?
Southwest provides a baggage tag with a tracking number at check-in. You can use this number on the Southwest Airlines website or app to track the status of your checked baggage. Many travelers also use personal GPS trackers like Apple AirTags inside their golf bags for real-time location.
How to know if my specific fare allows for free checked bags for golf clubs?
After May 28, 2025, only Business Select® fares, Rapid Rewards® A-List Preferred members, and A-List members/Southwest Credit Cardmembers receive free checked bags. Check your specific fare type on your booking confirmation or log into your Rapid Rewards account to confirm your status.
How to check golf clubs if they are over 80 linear inches or 100 pounds?
QuickTip: Let each idea sink in before moving on.
If your golf clubs exceed 80 linear inches or weigh more than 100 pounds, Southwest Airlines will not accept them as checked baggage. You will need to ship them via Southwest Cargo or a specialized golf club shipping service like Ship Sticks.
How to find the most current Southwest Airlines baggage policies?
Always refer to the official Southwest Airlines website (southwest.com) and navigate to their "Checked Bag Policy" or "Special Baggage & Sports Equipment" sections. Policies can change, so checking directly with the airline is the most reliable method.
How to choose between checking clubs with Southwest and using a shipping service?
Consider using a shipping service if:
Your clubs are consistently overweight/oversized, making airline fees expensive.
You want to avoid airport baggage lines and hassle.
You have expensive clubs and want comprehensive insurance. Check airline fees versus shipping service quotes to determine the most cost-effective and convenient option for your specific trip.
How to pack golf shoes and accessories with my golf clubs?
While convenient, packing golf shoes and excessive accessories in your golf travel bag can easily push it over the 50-pound weight limit. It's often better to pack shoes and smaller accessories in a separate checked suitcase or your carry-on to avoid overweight fees on your golf bag.
How to handle potential damage to my golf clubs after a flight?
Inspect your golf clubs immediately upon arrival at baggage claim. If you notice any damage, report it to a Southwest Airlines baggage agent before leaving the airport. They will guide you through the claims process and provide necessary documentation. Taking photos of the damage is also highly recommended.
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