For Golfers, Shipping Clubs Now Beats Flying With Them
Are you planning on going for a golf vacation? If it involves flying with your equipment via an airline, you might be in for a rude shock at the check in area. Most airlines have been jerking up the luggage fees for no apparent reason. They have fiddled with the weight requirements, which make it quite costly to carry your golf bags on the airlines.
If you have an airline-branded credit card or you are a frequent flyer, you may not have to incur these high fees. However, for everyone else, you should probably be quite wary of using airlines to transport your clubs. The low fare you pay could end up doubling or tripling depending on how much equipment you bring.
Weigh Retractions are a Thorny Issue
Most airlines have implemented weight restrictions that have led to costs rising dramatically. Now, they only allow a maximum weight of 50 pounds for all checked bags. If it goes beyond that with just an ounce, you will be stuck with fees as high as $40. In some cases, you could end up paying $200 both ways just for your golf bag.
Some airlines have even set it to as low as 40 pounds. Even on budget airlines, you will still need to part with about $50. In some cases, the fee could go up to as high as $100 even on these budget airlines. Trying to keep your golf bag below the minimum weight restrictions can be difficult. It would mean that you have to leave some of your clubs behind. Alternatively, it could mean that you have to leave some of your golfing accessories behind.
Use a Shipping company Instead
Most people have now given up on airlines. Instead, they prefer to use shipping companies to transport their golf clubs. One such company is RunRex. They are quite affordable compared to using an airline.
However, that is not the only reason to choose a company such as RunRex. Another major reason is that airlines are quite careless with luggage. On average, they mishandle over 20 million pieces of luggage every year. Even when you are lucky not to have your golf bag go missing, there is also the likelihood that it could be damaged.
The workers who handle luggage at airports have no obligation to give your golf bag any special treatment. They will throw it around just like everything else. It is up to you to ensure that it is properly padded. In case you golf clubs are damaged, you will have a hard time getting any form of compensation. In fact, you may even be forced to sign a waiver form at the luggage check in absolving the airline of any responsibility in case your clubs are bent, out of shape or scratched.
Why Shipping Companies Have Become so Popular
Until a few years back, using a shipping company was only a luxury that the super-rich could afford to transport their clubs. However, they now offer practical benefits that make them quite attractive compared to airlines.
One of their main benefits is doorstep delivery. No matter where you are going, there is a good chance that a shipping company can deliver your clubs there. Besides that, they do pickups. A company such as RunRex can pick up your clubs from virtually everywhere. The only requirement is that you provide then with an address where they can pick your golf clubs.
Unlike airlines, which have restrictions on the radius of delivery, a shipping company can deliver golf clubs to any place. Thanks to the rise in golf shipping, most golf resorts now have mechanisms for ensuring the smooth processing of your clubs once they are delivered. However, ensure that you call in advance. It helps to smoothen out everything and avoid any misunderstanding about the delivery.
Shipping clubs, if you are traveling internationally, is quite advantageous. You will not have to worry about the long queues in the customs area. Besides that, you will not have to be stressed with the process of filling out customs processing forms, something that you may not have a clue about.
How to Make the Most of Shipping Companies
Shipping companies, at their least, allow you to avoid the hassle of lugging around heavy equipment at the airport, which can be quite crowded at times. It can help you to save about an hour both ways if you use these services.
If you want to make the most of these services, you should consider using the ground service. A ground service usually takes about three days or more for the package to arrive. However, it also means that you pay the least amount of money. To make use of this service, you should call the resort where you will be staying and make sure they will accept to hold your golf bag for you. If they do, go ahead and use the ground service.
To make the most out of these club shipping services, you should avoid sending your package at the last minute unless it is an emergency. Always give yourself an allowance of at least one day. That way, you do not have to worry about any delays that may occur.