Southwest Golf Bag Fees 2026
Planning a golf trip? Understanding Southwest Airlines' golf bag policy can save you money and hassle. This complete guide covers fees, packing strategies, weight limits, and insider tips for traveling with golf clubs.
Golf Bag Fee Structure
Southwest treats golf bags as standard checked baggage, which means they follow the same fee structure as regular luggage based on your status and fare type.
| Status/Fare Type | Golf Bag Fee | As Which Bag |
|---|---|---|
| A-List Preferred | $0 | 1st or 2nd free bag |
| Choice Extra Fare | $0 | 1st or 2nd free bag |
| A-List | $0 | 1st free bag only |
| SW Credit Card Holder | $0 | 1st free bag only |
| No Status (1st bag) | $35 | First checked bag |
| No Status (2nd bag) | $45 | Second checked bag |
Weight and Size Limits for Golf Bags
Standard Limits
- • Weight limit: 50 lbs or less
- • Size limit: 62 linear inches (L+W+H)
- • No additional fee if within limits
- • Counts as 1 checked bag toward your allowance
Overweight/Oversize Fees
- • 51-70 lbs: +$100 surcharge
- • 71-100 lbs: +$200 surcharge
- • Over 62 inches: +$200 surcharge
- • Maximum 100 lbs and 80 inches total
What Counts as a Golf Bag?
Southwest considers the following items as golf equipment that counts as one checked bag:
Acceptable Golf Equipment
Standard Golf Bag
One golf bag with up to 14 clubs, balls, tees, and accessories
Golf Shoes
One pair of golf shoes can be packed inside the golf bag
Golf Balls & Tees
Multiple boxes of balls and tees are allowed in the bag
Golf Accessories
Gloves, towels, range finders, and other small accessories
Best Golf Travel Bags for Southwest
Choosing the right golf travel bag can make your trip smoother and help you stay within weight and size limits.
Soft-Sided Bags
5-8 lbs
Typical weight empty
Lightweight and flexible, these bags offer good protection with padding while keeping overall weight down.
Best for: Frequent travelers
Hard-Shell Cases
12-18 lbs
Typical weight empty
Maximum protection for expensive clubs but adds significant weight. Best for high-value equipment.
Best for: Premium club sets
Hybrid Bags
8-12 lbs
Typical weight empty
Reinforced padding in key areas with lighter materials elsewhere. Good balance of protection and weight.
Best for: Most golfers
How to Pack Golf Clubs for Southwest
Step-by-Step Packing Guide
- 1
Remove Loose Items
Take out range finders, extra balls, and accessories - these can shift during transport
- 2
Protect Club Heads
Use head covers on woods and putter. Stuff towels around irons to prevent clanging
- 3
Fill Empty Spaces
Pack golf shoes, balls, and clothing around clubs to immobilize them and use space efficiently
- 4
Secure the Bag
Use compression straps to keep everything tight and add a luggage lock for security
- 5
Add Identification
Place ID tags inside and outside the bag with contact information
Money-Saving Tips for Golf Travelers
Before You Book
- • Get the Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card for 1 free bag
- • Earn A-List status with 25 one-way flights (1 free bag)
- • Book Choice Extra fare for 2 free bags included
- • Travel with a companion on the same reservation to share free bags
At the Airport
- • Weigh your bag at home to avoid overweight surprises
- • Remove non-essential items to stay under 50 lbs
- • Ship balls and accessories separately via USPS if needed
- • Consider renting clubs at destination for short trips
Golf Trip Scenarios and Costs
Scenario 1: No Status, Round Trip
• Golf bag as 1st checked bag: $35 each way
• Regular luggage as 2nd checked bag: $45 each way
Total round trip cost: $160
Scenario 2: A-List Status, Round Trip
• Golf bag as 1st free bag: $0 each way
• Regular luggage as 2nd checked bag: $45 each way
Total round trip cost: $90
Savings: $70 vs. no status
Scenario 3: A-List Preferred, Round Trip
• Golf bag as 1st free bag: $0 each way
• Regular luggage as 2nd free bag: $0 each way
Total round trip cost: $0
Savings: $160 vs. no status
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I gate-check my golf clubs?
No, golf clubs cannot be gate-checked due to their size and weight. They must be checked at the ticket counter or curbside when you arrive at the airport. Plan to arrive with extra time for check-in.
What if my golf bag gets damaged during the flight?
Southwest Airlines has a baggage damage policy. Report any damage immediately at the baggage claim office before leaving the airport. Take photos of the damage and file a claim. Note that normal wear and tear may not be covered, so consider travel insurance for expensive club sets.
Can I bring golf clubs AND a regular suitcase?
Yes. Your golf bag counts as your first checked bag, and you can check additional luggage as your second bag (or more). The fees depend on your status and how many total bags you're checking.
Do I need to declare golf clubs at security?
No, golf clubs are checked baggage and won't go through TSA security screening with you. However, if you're carrying golf balls or small accessories in your carry-on, they're subject to normal TSA rules.
Should I get golf club travel insurance?
If you have an expensive club set (over $1,500), consider travel insurance or check if your credit card offers baggage protection. Southwest's liability is limited, and replacement costs for high-end clubs can be significant if they're damaged or lost.
Can I ship my golf clubs instead of checking them?
Yes, services like Ship Sticks specialize in shipping golf clubs to your destination. This can be more expensive than checking bags but offers better protection and eliminates airport hassle. Compare costs based on your specific trip and status.
Calculate Your Golf Travel Cost
Use our free calculator to estimate your exact baggage fees for your golf trip. Enter your golf bag weight, additional luggage, and status to get an instant quote.
Calculate Golf Bag Fees →Related: All sports equipment fees · Overweight bag fees · Oversize bag fees · How to get free bags · All fee types · Carry-on guide
All information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. Fee information was last verified against official Southwest baggage policy in March 2026. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained on this website.
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