Looking for some first hand experience on travel bags for those of you that bring your bags on flights often.

what holds up, what doesnt?

either way, i know i'll be purchasing the "Stiff arm" to add further strength.

you looking for a particular model to buy? or advice?

I use a plain old Bay Boy. Works fine with a stiff arm for me. But I suggest you read through this post, It's loaded with info.

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?sh...soft+travel+bag

I flew from Colorado to Florida in September. I bought a used Golfsmith bag on ebay and the bought a used stiff arm on ebay. Total cost was $40.

The bag was well padded and worked great. No damage at all.

I used zip ties on the zippers. On the return flight TSA chose my bag for a random inspection. When i picked it up, they had cut my zip tie and placed a blue TSA with a number on it. Enclosed in the bag was a printed piece of paper explaining about the inspection.

BTW flew Southwest Airlines and they did not charge for the golf bag.

I have a Club Glove soft case and I haven't had any problems with it flying. It has some extra padding around the club heads and I reinforce this with a towel and a stiff arm. Also, I put my putter in the bag with the rest of the clubs surrounding it. Kind of in the middle of the bag, if ya read me.

Club Glove, it works great. I've had one for over 10 years now, using it on numerous golf trips. Comes with a lifetime warranty as well. Get a TSA lock if you plan on locking it, otherwise you take the risk of some nimrod TSA inspector cutting the zipper handle off the bag, instead of the lock. Also don't forget about the latest baggage and weight limit charges when flying.

I use the OGIO Monster bag. It is on sale right now at Dicks. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/...oductId=2506376 (EDIT: If you have a Dicks local goto the store, my local store has it for $179 which is cheaper than the price shown online)

I have taken it on 10 flights now and nothing has broken,etc. I also use a stiff arm inside of it. Plenty of rooms for shoes,cart bag,towels,etc. I stuff it pretty tight because Im paranoid and have never been over weight. OGIO also has the mammoth which is even nicer with wheels at the bottom so when you in line you can push it around. Very nice features but I couldn't afford the extra cost

I know you specifically asked about soft bags but you might want to look into a hard sided case...

Many airlines only guarantee against damage if a hard sided case is used. (At least that was the cast when I flew to NC for my Brothers wedding last fall)

All airlines have a golf club/ski/sporting goods policy available on their website; you might want to see what it says…

Your clubs are a big investment, I know I wouldn’t want to pay to replace mine in one shot right now…

Hard sided travel bag are a total pain. They cannot be folded and therefore take up too much room in the trunk of a rental car/van. The only brand to buy: Club Glove. For carry/stand golf bag get the Burst Proof; for a larger staff golf bag or to hold extra stuff (clothes, other sports equipment), buy the Last Bag. With wheels.

In lieu of buying a Stiff Arm for $25, use a length of PVC plastic pipe or a wood dowel cut just longer than your longest club. Stick a tennis ball on the end.

One Word: Club Glove....wait a second, that's two words. PVC Pipe with the tennis ball as well, never had ANY issues at all, use it about 10 times per year for the last 5 years...BURSTPROOF.

Club Glove Burstproof or Ogio Monster

Stay with soft cover and stiff arm (or equivalent). I've had 3 hard cases in the last 3 years and the airlines have broken each one on their maiden voyages!! Either a hinge, the clasps or on the last one completed collapsed the wheel and wheel housing!
This time I took a $100.00 check on the spot and picked up a soft case while on my trip. Got it at Edwin Watts for like $50.
It's been on 3 or 4 trips so far and ZERO problems.

When you are checking in Southwest will advise you that they won't cover damage to the clubs with a soft side.
But apparently the baggage handlers think the hard cases can take the abuse...NOT!!!

I have the club glove as well and it has worked great. One thing I learned, or saw, on my last trip was a guy cut a broom stick that was longer than his driver and put that in the center of his bag. He said it took the stress of the driver head. Made sense I haven't traveled since but thought it was a smart idea.

Any other tricks or tips out there?

Um, see a few posts above yours.

Other tricks? I put all irons, head first into the golf bag, puts the weight over the carriers wheels and keeps the heads from damaging the wood shafts.

I think no matter what u use u need the stiff arm or something like it. That is a must!

Club Glove last bag+stiff arm, with homeowners insurance and youre golden! There a resain CG is the most used travel bag used by pros!