How much do airlines check what is in the golf travel bag??

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1381895238' post='8008713']
[quote name='jli2636' timestamp='1381878138' post='8007195']
[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1381865026' post='8005985']
I once packed 2 complete sets in 1 travel bag. Both of us used sunday carry bags and put the clubs in a round concrete form for protection. TSA. Was a domestic flight, don't remember the airline
[/quote]

This is what they are trying to deter with the "14 clubs only" policy. My dad and I used to do this when we went on vacation. We would stuff 2 sets into one bag and then put the bag into the travel case.
[/quote]

What's it matter if it's below the weight limit? [u]Can the airline stipulate how many pairs of shoes somebody can put into a bag?[/u]
[/quote]

Yes. They decide what constitutes the contents of a golf bag and its pricing vs. extra luggage and it's pricing, and, for what ever their reason, if either are inspected once checked. All they are trying to do with stipulating contents is keep certain people from over stuffing bags, which can and often do, bust during handling. The other aspect that likely influences whether they take action is, if someone is trying to cheat them of revenue. Brings to mind 'gifting' vs paying fees.

[jdhallissey]

I fly a ton and I know pepper does too. I have never had any issue with my travel bag. I pack my clothes in my travel bag and everything 48 pounds everytime.

[teejaywhy]

[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1381895238' post='8008713']
[quote name='jli2636' timestamp='1381878138' post='8007195']
[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1381865026' post='8005985']
I once packed 2 complete sets in 1 travel bag. Both of us used sunday carry bags and put the clubs in a round concrete form for protection. TSA. Was a domestic flight, don't remember the airline
[/quote]

This is what they are trying to deter with the "14 clubs only" policy. My dad and I used to do this when we went on vacation. We would stuff 2 sets into one bag and then put the bag into the travel case.
[/quote]

What's it matter if it's below the weight limit? Can the airline stipulate how many pairs of shoes somebody can put into a bag?
[/quote]

They can and they do. Because a golf bag is technically "oversize" luggage, they exempt it from normal oversize bag fees however with the stipulation that you are limited to one "normal" set of golf gear.

While the likelyhood of an inspection is remote, if it does happen, don't be surprised to get hit with an added fee.

And BTW, the TSA doesn't care if the contents of your bag meet the airline's particular requirements for golf bag without extra fees. They are looking for bombs and so forth.

[jdhallissey]

Like i have said they dont care what is in a golf bag ok well as long as it is not bombs lol. I have brought tools in my golf bag (drills, levels, hammer, tool bag) for 3 months of work lolol.

[I_HATE_SNOW]

I usually have a snorkel, mask and fins in my bag. A golf bag will always get inspected by the TSA.

[Sean2]

THIS is why I purchased my own jet.

[Agent Jim]

Anyone else think about how they can stick it to the airlines? Say you have two sets that need to go. You can easily separete the shafts and heads of many drivers and fairways. Head go in your other baggage , so there are 4 shafts and 24 clubs. Pull the shafts of 10 clubs and have them prepped. in the bag. Throw those heads in other baggage. 14 shafts and 14 clubs.....Sorry, just letting my imagination run.

[SadTrombone]

They're going to put it on a scale, charge you the fee, put a tag on it, and either you or they will make sure it gets to TSA.

TSA will check it, most likely with an x-ray. Potentially a physical inspection.

...they won't care how many clubs and balls you have.

On its trip to the airplane, it's likely to pass through a dozen or more sets of hands. If you connect, another dozen or more. It's amazing anything makes it...

D.E.L.T.A.
Delivers
Everyone's
Luggage
To
Atlanta

That's why they have the max club policy. You want to take 87 SLDRs? Fine. But if they lose them, you're only getting 14 clubs replaced...

[Agent Jim]

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1381975763' post='8013699']
They're going to put it on a scale, charge you the fee, put a tag on it, and either you or they will make sure it gets to TSA.

TSA will check it, most likely with an x-ray. Potentially a physical inspection.

...they won't care how many clubs and balls you have.

On its trip to the airplane, it's likely to pass through a dozen or more sets of hands. If you connect, another dozen or more. It's amazing anything makes it...

D.E.L.T.A.
Delivers
Everyone's
Luggage
To
Atlanta

That's why they have the max club policy. You want to take 87 SLDRs? Fine. But if they lose them, you're only getting 14 clubs replaced...
[/quote]
It was 14 of those $900 dollar TM R1's..............haha. Write my check for $12,600 dollars

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='Agent Jim' timestamp='1381977048' post='8013793']
[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1381975763' post='8013699']
They're going to put it on a scale, charge you the fee, put a tag on it, and either you or they will make sure it gets to TSA.

TSA will check it, most likely with an x-ray. Potentially a physical inspection.

...they won't care how many clubs and balls you have.

On its trip to the airplane, it's likely to pass through a dozen or more sets of hands. If you connect, another dozen or more. It's amazing anything makes it...

D.E.L.T.A.
Delivers
Everyone's
Luggage
To
Atlanta

That's why they have the max club policy. You want to take 87 SLDRs? Fine. But if they lose them, you're only getting 14 clubs replaced...
[/quote]
It was 14 of those $900 dollar TM R1's..............haha. Write my check for $12,600 dollars
[/quote]

I'm sure they limit their liability in the contract. Nobody ever reads it, but I'm sure they do.

Plus, you'd have to provide receipts or proof of purchase I'm almost sure. Again, it's all in the fine print.

[Brianm423]

I always try and keep my travel bag under the 50lb limit so I don't get charged. They definitely will search through it, move your stuff around and eff with you sometimes (i've opened my bag to find my driver where I keep my wedges and my putter up where I keep my woods). Loaded all pockets to the max with 2 pairs of spikes, clothing, towels, and a couple bottles of vodka. At least they didn't take my booze.

US Airways, United, and Southwest (even though I hate SW) are the best IMO.

[SadTrombone]

Everybody loves to hate on Southwest, but they make money all the time and there has to be a reason for that.

[Bandy1080]

Flew from Boston to Atlanta in June. They found a mini bic lighter deep inside my tee bag. Then left me a TSA note telling me they took it. Not sure on international but domestic they definitely go through your bag.

[I_HATE_SNOW]

IIRC, xray doesn't work on a golf bag and they all get a hands on and in inspection. I've had my irons all turned right side up, I travel with the heads down.

[DLiver]

I can't remember the last time my golf clubs WERE NOT inspected by TSA. Every time I fly with clubs, I see an TSA notice inside my travel bag.

[jdhallissey]

Also last trip TSA tightened up my laces and cleaned the sides of my shoes lol. I had great service

[TKD24]

I've only traveled with my clubs a handful of times, and most of the time, they always took my tees...lol

[jli2636]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1381941521' post='8010635']
[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1381895238' post='8008713']
[quote name='jli2636' timestamp='1381878138' post='8007195']
[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1381865026' post='8005985']
I once packed 2 complete sets in 1 travel bag. Both of us used sunday carry bags and put the clubs in a round concrete form for protection. TSA. Was a domestic flight, don't remember the airline
[/quote]

This is what they are trying to deter with the "14 clubs only" policy. My dad and I used to do this when we went on vacation. We would stuff 2 sets into one bag and then put the bag into the travel case.
[/quote]

What's it matter if it's below the weight limit? [u]Can the airline stipulate how many pairs of shoes somebody can put into a bag?[/u]
[/quote]

Yes. They decide what constitutes the contents of a golf bag and its pricing vs. extra luggage and it's pricing, and, for what ever their reason, if either are inspected once checked. All they are trying to do with stipulating contents is keep certain people from over stuffing bags, which can and often do, bust during handling. The other aspect that likely influences whether they take action is, if someone is trying to cheat them of revenue. Brings to mind 'gifting' vs paying fees.
[/quote]

Agreed, if they see 2 sets of golf clubs in there, thats another $50 or whatever their charge is that they could have hit somebody with.

[Sean2]

In a previous life I traveled incessantly (Pepper, I was a cash management consultant for multi-billion dollar corporations). It was delightful. I would get to the airport shortly before my flight, go to the gate a few minutes before take off and board the plane. No security, no BS. The airline staff would actually smile and be pleasant to you. In addition, you were actually given food...and you had choices that you made when you booked your flight! Heck, you could carry shampoo, a knife, a lighter, and when you landed you didn't feel like you'd just been running a marathon...backward.

Luggage was never a hassle, there were no fees, no nonsense. You didn't feel like you were being transported in a cattle car at 30,000 feet.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='dirtyboy' timestamp='1382046471' post='8017623']
IIRC, xray doesn't work on a golf bag and they all get a hands on and in inspection. I've had my irons all turned right side up, I travel with the heads down.
[/quote]
I guarantee an x-ray will pass through a golf bag. The probable scenario is that they send it through the x-ray, the high school dropout looking at the monitor can't tell if those are golfballs and aquafina or bombs in your bag, so he opens it up to take a look and puts one of the flyers in your bag while taking $20 from your skins winnings you keep in your yardage book.

[quote name='jli2636' timestamp='1382062362' post='8019213']
[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1381941521' post='8010635']
[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1381895238' post='8008713']
[quote name='jli2636' timestamp='1381878138' post='8007195']
[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1381865026' post='8005985']
I once packed 2 complete sets in 1 travel bag. Both of us used sunday carry bags and put the clubs in a round concrete form for protection. TSA. Was a domestic flight, don't remember the airline
[/quote]

This is what they are trying to deter with the "14 clubs only" policy. My dad and I used to do this when we went on vacation. We would stuff 2 sets into one bag and then put the bag into the travel case.
[/quote]

What's it matter if it's below the weight limit? [u]Can the airline stipulate how many pairs of shoes somebody can put into a bag?[/u]
[/quote]

Yes. They decide what constitutes the contents of a golf bag and its pricing vs. extra luggage and it's pricing, and, for what ever their reason, if either are inspected once checked. All they are trying to do with stipulating contents is keep certain people from over stuffing bags, which can and often do, bust during handling. The other aspect that likely influences whether they take action is, if someone is trying to cheat them of revenue. Brings to mind 'gifting' vs paying fees.
[/quote]

Agreed, if they see 2 sets of golf clubs in there, thats another $50 or whatever their charge is that they could have hit somebody with.
[/quote]

The airline isn't looking. It's TSA that looks. The 14 club/balls/shoes limit is to limit the airline's liability if they lose it. Basically, they don't want you claiming (or actually carrying) 48 clubs, them losing one bag and going bankrupt trying to replace one Wrxer's tour issued gamers, backups, backup backups and backup gamers.

[turfmantim]

The last trip I took to Denver I got home missing a hat from Ballyneal. Anybody else have stuff just disappear?

[myspinonit]

[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1382088696' post='8020361']

I guarantee an x-ray will pass through a golf bag. The probable scenario is that they send it through the x-ray, the high school dropout [b]looking at the monitor can't tell if those are golfballs and aquafina or bombs in your bag[/b], so he opens it up to take a look and puts one of the flyers in your bag while taking $20 from your skins winnings you keep in your yardage book.

[/quote]

I read on another thread a while ago the reason they do the hand inspection is that fertilizer residue may be on clubs. As fertilizer is an issue that they of course watch and sniff for in luggage for bombs they need to comfirm it's just clubs. I recall the poster said he had worked for British security and that was the rationale.

[ctmason_98]

I can also say with some confidence that the reason for a lot of hand inspection is contraband related, even though TSA technically isn't in charge of that. A friend of mine works for CBP at Sky Harbor and they have dozens of cases of drugs, jewelry and numerous other strange materials inside shafts and club heads every year. Most international coming in, true, but TSA is looking for that as well.

[SadTrombone]

[quote name='myspinonit' timestamp='1382156449' post='8025173']
[quote name='minitour' timestamp='1382088696' post='8020361']
I guarantee an x-ray will pass through a golf bag. The probable scenario is that they send it through the x-ray, the high school dropout [b]looking at the monitor can't tell if those are golfballs and aquafina or bombs in your bag[/b], so he opens it up to take a look and puts one of the flyers in your bag while taking $20 from your skins winnings you keep in your yardage book.

[/quote]

I read on another thread a while ago the reason they do the hand inspection is that fertilizer residue may be on clubs. As fertilizer is an issue that they of course watch and sniff for in luggage for bombs they need to comfirm it's just clubs. I recall the poster said he had worked for British security and that was the rationale.
[/quote]

British security, potentially. But TSA?

[b]T[/b]houghtlessly [b]S[/b]tanding [b]A[/b]round

I don't think they could come up with something that clever. Instead, they'd rather take my peanut butter while letting me take the plastic knife.

....unless I put on my uniform shirt (right in front of them), when magically the PB becomes a non-threat.

It's not real security, it's security theater. It's designed to make the lemmings feel better, and generally speaking, it does that.

[jmtbkr]

MY opinion? The TSA is nothing more than the un-hireable. These people could not hold a normal job, even at McD's. Give them a badge/uniform and they believe thay can walk on water!!

I fly frequently and have no problems with the airlines themselves. I do have major issues with the TSA and the baggage handlers.

I wrap my club heads with a heavy towel and head covers, put the rain cover over it and I use a Club Glove with a Stiff Arm. I take serious care of my stuff and don't need it busted up by some brainless union jerk as they toss it on the conveyor belt during baggage loading. Ever watch these idiots load the plane? They don't care! I've even taken video from my seat and have sent it to the airlines/airport - of course with NO response!

Going thru the baggage check, I once had some TSA ignoramus open my Club Glove and proceed to take out every club and wipe them down for explosives! Then he took out my 2 dozen balls and dropped them all over the floor. When I reached down to help him grab them, I was yelled at for interfering with his check and if I continued to grab my balls (still rolling around in the terminal) he would make things very difficult for me. Another TSA idiot had to usher me away to where I could watch this moron try and re-pack my bag. After much protesting - and constantly under the threat of taking me in a security room for a "full" body pat down - I was allowed to repack my bag under the watchful eye of the supervisior.
When I arrived at my destination....guess what!.....my stiff arm was busted!. The plastic cover was busted off the pole.

Assbags!!

You can complain about your treatment to a supervisior at the terminal and file a report against any TSA idiot, as I did that day. They must hear your complaint and take appropriate action and file your complaint. I was given a copy and a file number and have been folowing up on this. DO NOT LET THE TSA WALK OVER YOU SHEEP! aSSERT YOUR RIGHTS! As a federal agency, they are subject to all kinds of restrictions and regulations, and many of them definately step over the line in their work.

[mark m]

[quote name='turfmantim' timestamp='1382103868' post='8021003']
The last trip I took to Denver I got home missing a hat from Ballyneal. Anybody else have stuff just disappear?
[/quote]

I have had sleeves of ProV1x balls taken. My brother has had a dozen ProV1x in the box stolen. (I would recommend that balls be removed from the boxes.)

Also taken: my Cascata metal/pewter bag tag with my name engraved on it. And 2 very nice ball mark repair tools from Old Head in Ireland. I like to actually use stuff - not just collect. I feel fortunate that no clubs stolen so far - which is huge for me because every one is custom and expensive - and would be a pain to replace. Towels and hats disappear as well - which aren't as big of a deal - but it stills sux. I would recommend learning from what has happened to me and leave some of these things of value at home.

And sometimes it might not be the airlines/TSA - it could be bag handlers at courses or hotels.

[Fourmyle of Ceres]

Your best bet is not to watch the TSA inspect your clubs if you're going to s*** your pants when they pull the clubs out and swab them. Because they do that the vast majority of the time, in my experience. If you don't want your precious golf clubs touched by icky federal employees, I'd suggest saddling up Shanks Pony and walking to where ever it is you're going with your clubs on your back.

[DavePelz4]

[quote name='jmtbkr' timestamp='1382187465' post='8025807']
When I reached down to help him grab them, I was yelled at for interfering with his check and [color=#ff0000]if I continued to grab my balls[/color] (still rolling around in the terminal) he would make things very difficult for me.
[/quote]

Naw...too easy.

[DLiver]

Why are some of you guys so nasty about everything? Wow

[jmtbkr]

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1382214139' post='8027279']
[quote name='jmtbkr' timestamp='1382187465' post='8025807']
When I reached down to help him grab them, I was yelled at for interfering with his check and [color=#ff0000]if I continued to grab my balls[/color] (still rolling around in the terminal) he would make things very difficult for me.
[/quote]

Naw...too easy.
[/quote]

Haha!! That's what I was thinking as I typed it!