ShipSticks or Not

[Old Golfer]

Does anyone have any experience using Ship Sticks? I’m flying to Orlando in February and am taking my clubs with me. Last time I took my clubs was about 9 years ago on a golf trip to Scottsdale, Az. and I took them with me on the flight.

I have a travel bag that’s very good, but was wondering if it would be easier to use Ship Sticks. The quote I got was $200 round trip (2 business days traveling each way) from New York to Orlando. I can have my clubs dropped off at the golf course I’ll be at, but I’m not sure that they or the items in my bag will be ok, unattended. Guess I have trust issues. At the moment I’m not sure if this is the way I want to go. 

Thanks in advance

[iSank]

I’ve used them, and am happy, will use them again. They frequently have emailed discounts so you save a few bucks, plus dang it’s easy. We dropped them off at the Carolina in Pinehurst and in a few days they were at a friends place in Alabama. Not the same distance but sure there’s a trust issue, but we were content.

[Old Golfer]

Thanks for the input. My trust issues were not so much about my clubs but my other items in my bag. Specifically my GPS watch, which is no issue, cause I will just remove it. To be on the safe side I’ll probably choose the 2 day option, as I don’t need them overnight.  

[NM Golf]

Never done it myself, but I know several people who have been quite happy with the service. My buddy travels 7-8 times a year to play golf and uses them every time.

I don't use it because I fly Southwest Airlines and they don't charge for golf bags so I don't see the reason to drop the cash on shipsticks. If I ever fly on another airline that charges for bags I will use them.

[mdl]

It's airline by airline, but I haven't seen any airlines where it's more than $50 each way for an extra, odd shaped/oversized bag.  My last flight with clubs for TG on Alaska it was $25 each way.  So I'd say that if the primary concern is cost, then it will be significantly cheaper to just carry them.  If cost isn't really a concern, I could definitely see the convenience of having someone else deal with getting your clubs there and then just delivering them to the course you're playing!

[Old Golfer]

Cost is a factor. Clubs arriving intact is a factor as well. Since I’m taking the wife, I could use the money spent on Ship Sticks to take her out to dinner. ?  I haven’t booked the flights yet, but I’m figuring that when I do, I can call the airline and find out how much is the costs for oversized bags. 

[DaveP043]

In my experience, golf bags are charged the same price as any other checked bag on most airlines.  I fly with my clubs once or twice a year, and have never had a problem with them arriving intact.  I still check shipsticks every time, and its always significantly less costly to check them on the airplane.  Sure, its a bit of a hassle getting them through the airports, but its been tolerable for me.

[Old Golfer]

Thanks Dave. 

[Vinsk]

16 hours ago, Old Golfer said:

Thanks for the input. My trust issues were not so much about my clubs but my other items in my bag. Specifically my GPS watch, which is no issue, cause I will just remove it. To be on the safe side I’ll probably choose the 2 day option, as I don’t need them overnight.  

I’ve used them several times. Never an issue with damage or theft. However, they screwed me royally last time by messing up my pick up time and place as well as my return. Customer service was nonexistent so will not be using them again.

1 hour ago, Old Golfer said:

Thanks Dave.