When does shipping clubs makes more sense than checking them?
Until a while back, checking your clubs at the airport was the best option golfers had. However, that has changed radically with the introduction of affordable golf shipping services. Companies such RunRex, have made it quite affordable to ship clubs. Here are some points to consider.
It Can Be Quite Stressful At the Airport.
Nothing is quite as stressful as rolling a huge golf bag from the airport baggage area to your car. Besides that, loading the golf bags from your car to the airport is equally as stressful. It is especially so around the holidays when the airports are packed. It is also worth noting that you drop off and pick up your clubs at a different area from your normal luggage. All of this can quite stressful.
When You Are Traveling Through a Small Aircraft.
A small aircraft will usually have a limited range. The result is that you will have to change flights quite a number of times. In all those instances, you will have to haul your luggage to the next flight. The stress alone makes the trip seem not worth it. Besides that, small air crafts tend to have a limited weight limit. The result is that you could be kicked off the flight until another one with enough space comes along.
If you are lucky to be left on the flight, your luggage could be put on another flight. What results is a cat and mouse game of trying to trace where your luggage was dropped off. If you had planned a short golfing vacation, you may never get to have any fun.
You Want the Clubs to be Properly Insured.
Airlines will sometimes make you sign a waiver form just to show you how serious they are about not taking responsibility. If you use a golf shipping company, you could be insured for thousands of dollars. It can help to relieve some of the stress that comes with checking your clubs at the airport. You are never sure how you are going to get compensated if your clubs become damaged. The best part about using shipping companies such as golfovernight.com is that they allow boosting the insurance they offer you.
If You Are Taking an International Flight.
When you have to take a connecting flight internationally, you will have to claim your bags, go through customs, have the bags rechecked, and ensure that you do not miss the connecting flight. If you are going through a major international hub, it can be quite stressful. The reason for this is that these airports are usually flooded with a sea of humanity trying to reach all points of the globe. The lines at the customs area are long and the staff working there are overworked and slow. By the time you get to your golfing destination, you will be thoroughly worn out.
The Knuckleheads working the Baggage Claim Area are not to be trusted.
The people that work the baggage claim area receive rudimentary training on how to handle your luggage. Besides that, they have to deal with thousands of bags every day. They do not have time to give your golf clubs the careful attention that they need. The result is that your golf clubs could end up being flung around like worthless garbage. Besides that, they easily give bags to the wrong people. They are supposed to be careful about how they issue the golf clubs but they do not do that. Unless your golf clubs are starkly identifiable, there is a good chance you will be handed the wrong bag.
If you do Not Have a Golf Bag.
Travel with golf clubs at the airport requires that you have a golf bag with you. However, golf bags can be quite expensive. In such an instance, you should consider using a shipping company. Shipping companies allow you to pack your clubs in a box and ship them to wherever you wish. However, ensure that each club is wrapped in enough padding so that it does not get damaged during shipping.
You want to Ensure Flawless Movement of Your Clubs.
When you use an airline to transport your clubs, you will have to carry them with you from your home to the golfing destination and back. However, if you use a shipping company, they can pick your clubs at your home and drop them off at the shipping destination. Besides that, they can also return them to your home after your vacation is over. It is a great way to avoid all the hassle that comes with traveling with a large bag.
You Are Traveling with Your Family.
Family golf vacations have become quite common these days. Parents and their children will hop on a plane and go to a fun destination for some quality time together. If you decide to carry your clubs with you, it might not work out very well. For instance, you will have to hire a big SUV to accommodate all the extra baggage. That is an extra cost, which could have been avoided.