Definitive Guide: Flying with Sports Equipment

flying with sporting equipment guide featured image

Like many Canadians, some of my favorite hobbies are outdoors. This includes golfing in the warmer months and skiing in the winter months. The best part about these hobbies is to visit new locations for a round of golf or a day on the ski hill.

While it is possible to rent equipment at your destination, I know many of us prefer to use our own clubs, skis, or snowboards. However, most of us never think about doing so since we think it’ll cost a fortune to fly with our equipment. 

In this article, we’ll go over best practices when flying with sports equipment and how to get your gear to your destination for a fraction of the price (even free!). You’ll be surprised that you’ll actually save money instead of renting your equipment!

Myths & Challenges of Flying with Sports Equipment

Flying with equipment does not mean that you’ll incur extra costs on your next flight. In fact, in most cases, you’ll find that flying with sports equipment will typically not cost you more on top of what is charged for a standard checked bag. The price of a checked bag ranges from airline to airline, so we won’t get into the weeds about that.

Perhaps the largest challenge of flying with equipment is packing it properly and safely. Our equipment is expensive and the last thing we want is to arrive at our destination to stare at broken golf clubs or our skis in pieces. 

Much like a good suitcase, we recommend investing in some high-quality travel cases for your equipment. With a quick search, you’ll find great recommendations, as well as YouTube tutorials on how to pack your equipment safely and securely.

How to Fly with Sports Equipment for Free on Canadian Airlines

As Frugal Flyers, we’re always looking to cut down costs, and checked bag fees are definitely on the list of most annoying costs when flying. Since most equipment counts as a standard checked bag, let’s go over how to get a free checked bag on the major Canadian airlines so we can cut down costs!

Air Canada

air canada airplane

The easiest way to get a checked bag on Air Canada is by holding an eligible Aeroplan credit card which American Express, TD, and CIBC issue. Luckily for us, there are 8 Aeroplan co-branded credit cards in Canada that offer a free checked bag on Air Canada flights for the cardholder and up to eight of their guests on the same itinerary.

If you’re mainly interested in the free checked bag benefit, we recommend keeping your costs down with the American Express Aeroplan card, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite card, or the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite card.

Credit Card Welcome Bonus Net Value
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card 40,000 Aeroplan $840 Apply
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card 40,000 Aeroplan $840 Apply
American Express Aeroplan Card 40,000 Aeroplan $720 Apply

The other two ways you can get a free checked bag on Air Canada is to book a higher ticket fare class or hold Aeroplan Elite Status, but these are often out of budget or out of reach. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide on how to get a free checked bag on Air Canada

For specific details about the weight limits, packing instructions, and other details specific to the type of equipment you want to bring, we recommend that you visit Air Canada’s site for special baggage items.

WestJet

westjet airplane

The second largest airline in Canada is WestJet and my West Coast friends definitely find themselves on a WestJet flight often. Much like Air Canada, the easiest way to get a free checked bag on WestJet is by holding the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

For an annual fee of $119, you and up to 8 travel companions on the same itinerary can get a free checked bag when you fly on WestJet, which could mean 9 sets of golf clubs for you and your friends!

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
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WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard

The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard earns WestJet dollars and offers cardholders benefits on WestJet flights including an annual companion fare and a first free checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight guests on the same itinerary.

Check out our WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard review for more details.

BONUS
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MINSPEND
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NET VALUE
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ANNUAL FEE
$119
FOREX FEES
Yes
EXPIRY

The other ways to get a free checked bag is to book the more expensive EconoFlex fare (or above) or have WestJet Rewards status (which requires a lot of cash to be spent on WestJet flights). For a full overview of WestJet baggage fees, check out our guide to saving money on WestJet baggage

Visit WestJet’s sports equipment page to learn more about weight limits, packing instructions, and other important details before you head to the airport!

Porter Airlines

porter airlines airplane

Porter Airlines has a special place in my heart because it is one of 2 airlines that flies up to Sault Ste. Marie when I go visit my family. Since expanding their service and now flying out of Toronto-Pearson, Porter has added some great destinations across North America, some of which you should consider bringing your golf clubs or skis! 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a “free” way of getting a checked bag by holding a credit card, like Air Canada or WestJet. Instead, you’ll have to book the more expensive PorterClassic Flexible or Freedom fares, instead of their bare-bones Basic fare. 

In essence, it really isn’t a “free checked bag,” but instead, you avoid paying the expensive baggage fee by lumping it into the airfare. However, sometimes it may not be cheaper when all is said and done, so make sure you do the math before booking!

If you’re looking to travel in more luxury, you can book a PorterReserve fare, equivalent to their business class. Of course, this is not going to be as cost-effective. Lastly, you can get a free checked bag with VIPorter Elite Status. Check out our guide on Porter baggage fees for more information about our tips and tricks. 

Porter has a dedicated page for flying with sporting equipment which we highly recommend you take a look at if you’re planning to fly with them for your next trip.

Flair Airlines

flair airlines airplane on tarmac with passengers disembarking

If you’re looking for the cheapest airfare possible and a bare-bones flight, you might consider Flair, as they are an ultra-low-cost airline. However, they make up their lost revenue in the form of fees for baggage and even using a credit card to book your flight. Before considering Flair, check out our review on whether or not Flair is worth your money to see if it is right for you. 

With that being said, there is no way you can really save on baggage, let alone fees for sports equipment. They have a separate fee schedule for flying with sports equipment that you can check out on their website. We’ll also go over it later in the article.

Flying with Sports Equipment on Canadian Airlines: Summary Table

Here’s a list of common sports equipment that you might take with you on your next vacation and what it will cost to get your equipment to your destination. The amount listed is in addition to the regular checked bag cost.

For example, you’ll see that golf clubs on Air Canada are listed at $0 on this chart. This means that there is no additional cost to you on top of the standard baggage fee, so if I get free checked bags on Air Canada, I’ll pay nothing!

Sports EquipmentAir CanadaWestJetPorter AirlinesFlair Airlines
Bicycles$50$50$50$79 (online)
$99 (airport)
Fishing$0N/A$0N/A
Golf Clubs$0$0$0$69 (online)
$99 (airport)
Hockey Equipment$0$0$0$69 (online)
$99 (airport)
Skis & Snowboards$0$0$0$69 (online)
$99 (airport)
Surfing Equipment$100$50N/AN/A
Scuba Equipment$0$0$0N/A
Note: “N/A” means that the airline does not explicitly state fees on its website. We recommend that you contact the airline directly if you’re looking to bring that type of sports equipment on their airline. All fees are subject to tax.

Regardless of whether there is a fee or no fee associated with the equipment, remember that it counts towards the checked baggage allowance. This rule is handy to remember if we have a “one free checked bag” benefit with a credit card or airline status, or if the airline imposes a maximum number of bags per person rule.

Flying with Sports Equipment on US & International Airlines

If you are looking to fly with a US or international airline, we recommend that you check out their dedicated websites to get detailed information about costs, packing instructions, and restrictions. Each airline varies with their rules so please double-check before you book your next flight. 

In general, the fees are quite similar to Canadian airlines as they are included as part of the standard baggage fee or allowance.

AirlineFlying With Sports Equipment Information
Alaska AirlinesClick Here
Allegiant AirClick Here
American AirlinesClick Here
Delta AirlinesClick Here
JetBlueClick Here
Southwest AirlinesClick Here
Spirit AirlinesClick Here
United AirlinesClick Here
British AirwaysClick Here
Air FranceClick Here
EmiratesClick Here
Qatar AirwaysClick Here
LufthansaClick Here

This is by no means an exhaustive list. If you have a destination or flight in mind, simply search for “airline name flying with sports equipment,” and you will find the dedicated page. 

Remember that many airlines operate within alliances or partnerships with each other – you might have extra baggage allowance or weight benefits with airline partners. For example, if you have Star Alliance Gold status, you get a free checked bag with Star Alliance partner airlines!

My Experience Flying with Sports Equipment

My experience with flying with sports equipment is when I’ve traveled with golf equipment. When the weather gets warmer, there is a high chance that you’ll find me on a golf course whenever my schedule allows it. 

If I’m able to, I also love taking my clubs to new courses around North America. I’ve taken my clubs down south to Arizona and Michigan to visit family and out west to Saskatchewan to see one of my best friends!

quentin tsang golfing

As I mentioned before, my first pearl is to find a good travel case for your equipment. I bought this one off Amazon after looking at reviews online and it hasn’t failed me yet! 

For extra protection, I also take the heads off of my driver and woods and pack them safely in my backpack or carry-on suitcase since those are the most fragile in the bag. Lastly, I’ll also take a shirt or two and wrap them around the heads of my irons to prevent them from banging around with each other. 

I also have the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite credit card, which gives me, and up to 8 travel companions on the same itinerary, a free checked bag for an annual fee of only $139.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Apply Now Learn More
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite card earns Aeroplan points and offers cardholders benefits including an Air Canada Buddy Pass and free first checked bag on Air Canada flights.

BONUS
40,000 Aeroplan
MINSPEND
$10,000
NET VALUE
$840+
ANNUAL FEE
$139 (FYF)
FOREX FEES
Yes
EXPIRY

That’s how I get my clubs on the plane for $0! If you and your friends are planning a golf or ski trip, holding one of these credit cards is a great way to surprise your friends and cut down costs!

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, flying with sports equipment does not cost a fortune. In fact, if you pack your equipment with you on your next ski or golf trip, you will likely save money by avoiding expensive rental fees. 

A great way to save on baggage fees is through travel credit cards. If you’re looking for your first one, be sure to check out our guide on the best beginner travel credit cards so you can save on your next trip!

Quentin Tsang

Quentin Tsang

Quentin dove into the world of travel credit cards in 2019 after being jealous of people going to airport lounges and wondering how he could do the same. Little did he know, this curiosity would lead him to become immersed in the world of points and miles. He loves to nerd out over all aspects of travel credit cards, loyalty programs and making the most of everyday spending, and can’t wait to share his journey with Frugal Flyer readers.

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