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New research from Purple Parking today reveals that many of the major airlines have hiked up the price of transporting golf equipment.
The biggest culprit is British Airways, which in 2009 didn’t charge customers to carry sporting equipment in addition to checked baggage. Today however, golfers are required to pay an extra baggage fee of £30 if they choose to bring golfing equipment on a BA flight, if it exceeds their personal baggage allowance.
On average, the airlines that impose a flat rate for carrying golf equipment have increased their charges by 50% – quite a significant increase when compared to the UK’s current 4% inflation rate*.
Oliver Inwards, E-Commerce Director at Purple Parking, highlights: "It’s interesting to see how many airlines have chosen to increase fees for transporting golfing equipment. With the economy struggling and less people travelling, passing on even small costs may discourage travellers. Many British holidaymakers are already struggling to save up for their holiday, so this is just another added cost to account for."
With charges varying depending on the airline, class you travel in, bag size, bag weight, and even the destination you travel to and from, airlines could be accused of hiding the real cost from customers.
Online searches for ‘golfing holidays’ reached a peak in August, which is why Purple Parking has chosen now to create a golf baggage allowance table. The table aims to dispel any confusion and clearly outline the additional costs for holidaymakers wishing to take golfing equipment abroad.
The research by the Heathrow parking provider also reveals that: American Airlines, BMI, Easyjet, Flybe and Ryanair have all increased their golf carriage fees when compared to **2009.
In addition to the flat rate increases, American Airlines’ extra baggage charges have increased by 20%, from $50 USD to $60 USD (approximately £30 to £36) . For baggage weighing more than 45kgs, their oversized baggage fee has increased by 50%, from $100 USD to $150 USD per item (approximately £61 to £91).
There is some good news for golfers though. Those choosing to fly with Air France or KLM will benefit from no extra charge for golf equipment, as long as the total weight does not surpass the weight limits per person. (In 2009 both airlines charged fixed excess baggage fees). Emirates and Virgin Atlantic also continue to provide free carriage of golfing equipment.
| Airline | Are golf bags accepted as part of the personal baggage allowance? | What are the size restrictions on golf baggage? | What is the weight limit on golf baggage | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air France | Yes, 1 golf bag can be checked in for free,in addition to checked baggage allowance | N/A | 20kg | Golf equipment is transported at no extra charge, as long as the total weight does not surpass 20kg per person. Above the limit, a fixed fee applies to each one-way flight. Exceeding the weight allowance, a fixed fee of 200€ applies to each one-way flight, with a 20kg limit per set of equipment. |
| American Airlines | No, golf bags must be checked in, in addition to checked baggage with a charge incurred | Size is limited to the size of a hard-sided golf case | 32kg without additional charge
45kg with an overweight baggage fee |
1 golf bag containing a maximum of 14 golf clubs, 12 golf balls and 1 pair of golf shoes is permitted. If a golf bag is taken as a second checked bag, there is charge of $60 USD each way. If the bag is over the 23kg weight limit there is a $60 USD charge each way. If the bag is over the size limit (157 **linear cm) there is a $150 USD charge each way. |
| BMI | Only on selected journeys and as long as golf bag is within baggage allowance | N/A | 20kg without additional charge
32kg with an overweight baggage fee |
In economy a flat rate of £30 per item will be applied. If the item is over 20kg but under 32kg then an additional £30 fee per item applies to each one-way flight. |
| British Airways | Yes, 1 golf bag may be carried in place of 1 checked bag | 190cm (height), 75cm (width), 65cm (depth) | 23kg without additional charge
32kg with an overweight baggage fee |
1 golf bag may be checked in, in place of one checked bag with a maximum weight of 23kg.
If the golf bag is in addition to your personal baggage an extra bag charge must be paid. If you pay in advance online the charge is £30/$43 USD/39€ per bag. Customers travelling to and from Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and on connecting journeys between India and USA/Bermuda/Canada have a free checked bag allowance of 2 bags. Extra bags travelling to and from these destinations will be charged at £77/$119 USD/98€ per bag. |
| Easyjet | No, golf bags must be checked in, in addition to checked baggage with a charge incurred | N/A | 50kg (including main baggage + sporting equipment).
The maximum weight for any single piece of baggage is 32kg |
A £25 charge for equipment to each one-way flight applies when pre-paid. When paying at the airport a £30 charge applies, plus an excess baggage charge of £10 per kg. |
| Emirates | Yes, 1 golf bag can be checked in for free, in addition to checked baggage allowance | N/A | 23kg | 1 set of golf clubs and 1 pair of golf shoes can be checked in free of charge in any class of service on any Emirates flight. |
| Flybe | No, golf bags must be checked in, in addition to checked baggage with a charge incurred | N/A | 30kg | Golf equipment carriage must be booked 24 hours in advance and there is a charge of £30 per item. A maximum of 14 clubs in 1 hooded bag, 12 golf balls, and 1 pair of golf shoes in hold baggage is permitted. |
| KLM | Yes, 1 golf bag can be checked in for free, in addition to checked baggage allowance | N/A | 23kg | On top of the standard baggage allowance, you may carry 1 golf bag for free if all flights in your journey are operated by KLM or Air France (including Martinair).
A golf bag counts as a single piece of luggage and may weigh up to 23kg. You only pay an excess baggage fee if it weighs more, or if you bring an more than 1 golf bag. A set of golf equipment may consist of a golf bag containing only clubs, balls and a pair of golf shoes. Make a reservation for your special baggage at least 48 hours before departure, and ensure your reservation is confirmed. |
| Qantas Group | Yes, golf bags can be checked in for free, as long as within baggage allowance | Golf bags are carried as baggage and are exempt from normal **linear dimension restrictions | 23kg | A golf bag is free of charge as long as it is with your baggage allowance. For Economy and Business class this is 1 bag. For Silver and Gold Business Frequent Flyers and Platinum Frequent Flyers this increases to 2 bags.
Bags must not exceed the baggage weight allowance (23kg if travelling in economy class and 32kg in business class, as Quantas club member or frequent flyer). There is a charge of $175 AUD per additional 5kg, to and from the UK, when purchased in advance. |
| Ryanair | No, golf bags must be checked in, in addition to checked baggage with a charge incurred. | 81cms (height), 119cms (width) and 119cms (depth) | 20kg | If a golf bag is carried in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance a fee is payable. £40/40€ per item, per one-way flight when pre-paid online or the higher fee of £50/50€ per item/per one-way flight when paid at the airport or through a Ryanair call centre. If the bag weighs over the 20kgs allowance it will be charged the applicable excess baggage rate per kg. |
| United | Yes, 1 golf bag may be carried in place of 1 checked bag | 292 **linear cm | 23kg | 1 bag may be checked in, which can be a standard-sized golf bag with clubs and 1 pair of shoes. This is allowed in place of one checked bag with a maximum weight of 23kg. For travel within or between the US & Canada, additional baggage above your allowance is charged at $100 USD each way. From the UK to the USA is charged at £130. |
| Virgin Atlantic | Yes, 1 golf bag can be checked in for free, in addition to checked baggage allowance | N/A | 23kg | 1 golf bag (consisting of a maximum of 14 clubs, 12 balls and a pair of shoes) as a single item of checked in baggage, in addition to your free baggage allowance may be checked in. The golf bag must not exceed 23kg.
Additional baggage above your allowance is charged at £32 or $48 USD each way, if you buy online. At the airport the charge is £40 or $60 USD. Bags over 32kg will not be accepted. |
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
