Do 'Golf Bags' really work?

AsianTaco · Since 21 Oct 2009 1 Posts New Member

Hey I have had a golf bag for some years now and am thinking about using it for the first time...finally...down to Costa Rica. American Airline is kind of giving me a hard time about my kitebag cargo dimensions and I really don't want to pay the extra amount so I'm considering using the golf bag. Does anyone have any experiences with them/other airline companies and 'golf bags'? Thanks guys.

Bettyboarder · Tue Oct 27, 09 12:25 pm

We had no prob with a golf bag to Costa Rica...the only place we had problems twice is Maui.

hiker1 · Since 01 Jul 2007 125 Posts Portland Stoked

No prob w/golf bag going to SPI last spring - OK both directions. Very Happy

Just make sure your under the weight restriction for the airline - I think it was 50lbs.

tonski · Since 11 Jun 2005 332 Posts NW Portland Obsessed

Sometimes they work, sometimes not - it's always worth a try. See article in past kiteboarding mag featuring Joby and Lauren for travel tips. Smile

bajakiter · Since 16 May 2007 58 Posts

I have never had any problems, never had to pay. Been to Maui, Florida, and Baja 3 times with mine.

Campbell · Since 07 Sep 2008 409 Posts Camas, WA Obsessed

Depends on who's checking you in. I've had good luck all but this last time coming back from Hatteras.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

How much of the golf bag "working" is based upon the appearance of the person checking in? Do you show up looking like a kiter? If you do - then I would guess you would have a harder time getting through -however, if you show up in your polo shirt and khaki's - maybe it would be easier.

Any feedback on how much appearance plays in this?

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Never had it fail. The only time I was close to having it fail was the bag nazi lady in Oahu.

Wear a Kangol, you will even fool the golfers.

Andy

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Might as well give it a try, Worse case you get charged which would happen anyway with a regular bag.

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 384 Posts PDX Obsessed

I'm 5 for 5 Very Happy

just don't say "kiteboard". If you say "kites", they just look at you like a dork who is going to a stunt kite convention and then check your junk with no other questions.

hopefall · Since 13 Feb 2009 79 Posts Couve

What's the typical cost difference between checking it as golf clubs vs. kite gear?

Chooch · Tue Oct 27, 09 8:01 pm

$100 each way

holly · Since 09 Jul 2006 440 Posts Hood River Obsessed

I never have any prob traveling with mine.

gorgebob · Since 25 Jun 2007 259 Posts Portland, OR Shop Owner

I always have my wife check . She smiles and likes to chat . Even with surfboards we get through with minimum hassle.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Tips

1. don't show up in shorts and flip-flops ya punk

2. just pack your boards in the bag (make this your lightest bag) - try to get it to 40lbs

3. Curbside and bribery Thumb's Up

tekko · Since 20 Feb 2006 376 Posts White Salmon Liquid Force

Love it Bob!!

I've learned the same thing for travel. A smiling wife goes a long way!

We've been out of the 'Golf Bag' class for a while now, since we usually travel with demo gear, multiple quivers, boards, etc.

I have on more than a few occasions dropped Tonia off alone on the curb with a pile of coffin bags and surfboard bags and a $20 bill in her teeth with her hands full.

I just take off and do laps around the terminal until she's done and calls me and for some reason we've gotten away with a lot for very little.

Another tip, especially since we carry on so much more now, is to leave your carry on in the car or with someone while you check in. The perception of how much you have is much less if you're not fussing with more bags that you can handle smoothly during checkin.

For those who have come to realize they just can't travel some places without their surfboard or kite surfboard as well, there is another option. LF has a 6'3 wheeled surfboard bag that you can fit 4 surf decks or 1 surfboard, twintip, 3-4 kites, etc. When you rock up to the check in counter you be open and friendly about your 'surfboard' and it helps to already know the airlines fee usually $75-$100. Yes. It's gonna cost you to bring your surfboard but then all of your other kite gear rides for free and you have more toys at your destination! With 1st, 2nd and 3rd bag fees being so high now, you can actually use the 'surfboard' fee in your favor to bring more weight and toys in less bags for less overall expense.

Back before things got out of control, I cruised back from Surf Expo in Sept 08 with these 3 on Southwest for $75!! 2 quivers of kites, probably 4-6 twintips, 2 surfboards, multiple harness samples, boots, etc. Only paid $75 for the 'surfboard' and the others were under 50 lbs and went for free!

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

No problems with my Slingshot golf bag to and from Oahu this past August. Did curbside leaving PDX while flashing $20 and didn't get charged on the way back!