Taking golf clubs on a flight: what golf groups need to know
- Last reviewed
- 5 min read
- For sports teams, corporate groups
The short answer
Golf clubs must go in the hold, not the cabin. Under GOV.UK hand luggage rules golf clubs are allowed in hold luggage only. Each airline sets its own rules for golf bags: British Airways can count one as a checked bag, easyJet sells it as sports equipment up to 20kg, and Ryanair sells it as a separate paid item up to 20kg. For a group, add every golf bag to the booking with the seats and check the return flight too.
Key takeaways
- GOV.UK says golf clubs are not allowed in hand luggage but are allowed in hold luggage.
- British Airways says a golf bag or hard case can be one item of your checked allowance if your fare includes checked baggage. On Economy Basic fares it is paid as an extra bag.
- easyJet's small sports equipment band, which includes golf clubs, is up to 20kg, with one item of sports equipment per person. Ryanair's limit for sports equipment is 20kg per item and it is a separate paid item.
- Airlines do not pool weights, and easyJet states the weight of purchased sports equipment and hold luggage cannot be combined.
- Add golf bags to the booking when you buy the seats. Fees are usually higher at the airport and, once booked, easyJet equipment fees are non-refundable.
- Hiring clubs at the destination is a back-up if bags are delayed. Ask the course or hire shop in advance.
Can golf clubs go in hand luggage?
No. GOV.UK's hand luggage rules list golf clubs as not allowed in hand luggage and allowed in hold luggage. That applies at UK airports whichever airline you fly, and security staff can also refuse any item they consider dangerous.
Tennis racquets, by comparison, are allowed in both. If anyone in the group carries something else sporty, such as walking poles or darts, the same GOV.UK page lists them as hold only.
What do airlines say about golf bags?
Each airline sets its own policy, and fees and limits change. These examples show how different the rules can be:
| Airline | What it says |
|---|---|
| British Airways | A golf bag or hard case can be one item of checked allowance if the fare includes checked baggage. On Economy Basic fares, which have no checked allowance, it is paid as an extra bag. No checked bag may weigh more than 32kg. |
| easyJet | One piece of sports equipment per person. Golf clubs are in the small band, up to 20kg. It can be added online, in the app, in Manage Bookings, at check-in or at the airport, which costs more. The fee is non-refundable. |
| Ryanair | Sports equipment is booked as a separate paid item, not part of the checked-bag allowance, up to 20kg per item. |
Group fares do not change this. As our guide to group flights explains, a group fare carries the same kind of baggage allowance as any other fare, so confirm golf bags in writing before you pay a deposit.
How do you book golf bags for a group?
- Collect the golfer's name, handicap and whether they will bring their own clubs or hire.
- Add each golf bag to the booking with the seat, with the passenger's name attached.
- Check the weight limit. A bag with shoes, balls and waterproofs can pass 20kg. Weigh it at home.
- Do not rely on pooling. easyJet does not allow the weight of hold luggage and sports equipment to be combined, so buy the right mix.
- Check the return flight. It may be with a different airline or have different rules.
- Keep the booking reference and the airline's fee page in the trip file, in case a fee is queried at check-in.
How should clubs be packed?
- Use a hard case or a well padded travel bag. Soft bags are more likely to be damaged.
- Protect club heads and shafts with head covers and padding, and fill gaps so clubs cannot move.
- Label the outside and inside with name and mobile number, and photograph the contents.
- Keep valuables, medication and anything needed for the first round out of the golf bag and in hand luggage, in case it is delayed.
- Check your insurance. GOV.UK says to confirm the policy covers all activities you plan. Ask whether golf equipment is covered and what the single-item limit is.
What about transfers and the course?
Golf bags need room. Coaches and vans for 12 golfers carrying full bags need more luggage space than for 12 passengers with suitcases, so tell the operator the number of bags. See airport to hotel transfers for groups.
- Ask whether the course or hotel can store bags between rounds.
- Plan a buffer between landing and the first tee time, because hold baggage can take longer to appear.
- Ask the course about buggies, caddies and hire clubs, and put those terms in writing.
- Keep a hire option in mind for any golfer whose bag is delayed.
How Roamly can help
Roamly Travel arranges group flights with equipment bookings, and logistics including transfers that take golf bags. Estimate per-person costs, including baggage, with the free group travel calculator, or contact us with your dates and group size.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions, sports equipment
- British Airways: Flying with sports equipment
- easyJet: Sports equipment
- Ryanair: What sports equipment can I bring on board?
- GOV.UK: Foreign travel insurance
General guidance only, checked against the sources above on 30 October 2026. Entry rules, airline policies and official advice change, so confirm the current position with the linked source before you travel.