Traveling With Cremation Ashes – Know The Airport Guidelines

The loss of a family member or friend is an emotionally trying experience. And the additional stress of traveling with the ashes by air can only add to the distress. So, knowing what to expect when you reach the airport or board the flight can make this painful situation a little less challenging, mentally as well as emotionally.

The Airline

One of the most common questions that are received by funeral directors is whether it is permissible to fly with cremated ashes. The answer is yes. You are allowed to transport your loved one’s ashes. However, the first thing that you need to do is find out if your airline has any specific rules or regulations regarding this. While some airlines allow the ashes to be carried in the carry-on or checked luggage, some require it to be transported only by cargo. The best way to find out about such rules is to check the airline’s website or call up their customer service.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

In addition to the rules of the airline, you should also educate yourself about the TSA rules. The TSA requires that the contents of the urn should be visible through an x-ray. Since the TSA agents are not allowed to open the urn and look into it, they will only permit you to carry an urn that is scanable. Urns made of wood, transparent glass, plastic and fiberboard can be scanned while those made of metal or stone cannot be scanned.

Documentation Required

On domestic flights around the US, it is acceptable to provide the Certificate of Death and Certificate of Cremation. The latter is a form of authentication that the baggage is in fact cremated ashes. 

Airlines and the TSA usually understand the emotional duress that a person traveling with cremation ashes goes through. So you can be sure that they will treat the urn with the utmost care and respect.

Shop for cremation urns for burial here.


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