Short answer
Yes, you can bring golf bags on any charter flight, and there is no airline-style bag fee. As a rough guide, a light jet carries about four bags in soft travel covers, a midsize jet six to eight, and a Pilatus PC-12 or King Air turboprop is one of the best choices for a foursome with clubs. Hard cases take noticeably more room, so tell us which you have when you book.
Flying private is one of the easiest ways to take your own clubs on a golf trip. There are no bag fees, no oversized-baggage counters and no baggage carousel, and your clubs are loaded at the aircraft in front of you. What you do need to think about is space: every aircraft has a fixed baggage hold, and golf bags are long.
How Many Golf Bags Fit, by Aircraft Size
These are typical numbers for bags in soft travel covers with a small amount of other luggage. Every aircraft model is a little different, so we confirm the exact fit with the operator before you book.
| Aircraft size | Typical golf bags | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Very light jet | 2 to 3 | A couple, short trips |
| Light jet | About 4 | A foursome with light luggage |
| Turboprop (PC-12, King Air) | 4 to 6 | A foursome with full luggage |
| Midsize jet | 6 to 8 | Two foursomes on a short trip |
| Super-midsize jet | 8 or more | Larger groups, longer trips |
Why Turboprops Are Great for Golf Trips
The Pilatus PC-12 has a large rear cargo door and a cabin that can be configured to carry bulky items, so a foursome with full-size bags fits easily. The King Air 350 also has generous baggage space. Both can use shorter runways close to many golf resorts, and on trips of an hour or two they are usually cheaper than a jet.
Soft Covers or Hard Cases?
Soft travel covers bend to fit the shape of the hold and let you carry more sets. Hard cases protect your clubs better but are rigid and bulky, and on smaller aircraft they can reduce the number of sets that fit. If you use hard cases, tell us when you ask for a quote.
Shipping Your Clubs vs. Flying with Them
Club-shipping services work well for airline trips, but they need several days of lead time and charge per bag in each direction. On a charter, you pay for the aircraft, not per bag, so clubs that fit cost nothing extra. You also keep them with you, which matters if your plans change or you are playing more than one course.
Tips Before Your Golf Trip
- Count every bag, including shoe bags and push carts, and tell us the total.
- Use soft covers if you want to fit more sets.
- Choose an airport close to the course. Many resorts, such as Pinehurst, Kohler and Bandon Dunes, have a private-jet airport within about 45 minutes.
- Plan the ground transport. Most resorts can send a car to the airport; we share your arrival time.
For destinations, aircraft and routes, see our guide to private jet golf trips.
Planning a trip? See prices for every aircraft that fits, before you share any contact details.
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