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Traveling by Air with Cremated Remains

 

If you wish to travel by air with cremated remains, then it’s important to know what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires specific screening procedures.  These procedures have been developed in such a way as to provide security for all passengers, while at the same time remaining respectful to those traveling with the cremated remains of loved ones.

 

Cremation Urn Air Travel

 

You have two options for carrying a crematory container with you on your flights:

1. Carry-on: You are allowed to carry-on cremated remains, but it must pass through the x-ray machine. If the container is made of a material that prevents the screener from clearly being able to see what is inside, then the container will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.

2. Checked Baggage: You may transport the urn as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. TSA will screen the urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only.

NOTE: Some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage so please check with your air carrier before attempting to transport a crematory container in checked baggage.

Please note the following additional information:

• Out of respect for the deceased, the screener may not open the container under any circumstance.
• Crematory Container Materials: Crematory containers are made from many different types of materials, all with varying thickness. TSA recommends that passengers transport remains in temporary containers constructed of light-weight materials such as plastic or cardboard/fiberboard.
• Please check with your air carrier about other restrictions that may apply.

Published by the TSA – Transportation Security Administration – www.tsatraveltips.us - www.tsa.gov - 866-289-9673
The above cremation urn air travel material comes directly from the Transportation Security Administration website.

 

You may be given documentation (a permit) from your funeral home, however, that is not sufficient to carry a crematory container through security and onto a plane without screening.

Regardless of whether you want to travel with the cremated remains as carry-on luggage or checked luggage, the container they are in must pass the airport’s screening procedures).

NOTE: Some airlines will not accept cremated remains as part of your carry-on luggage, while others may only accept it as part of your carry-on luggage; it is best to know ahead of time and be prepared.  In all cases – the contents need be identified as cremated human remains.  Check with the airline to determine their exact policies on traveling with cremated remains.  You can usually find this information by searching the airline website for "cremated remains."  

One more thing - cremated remains may be placed in check-in luggage on some flights, as long as the airline allows it – however – your loved one’s remains are irreplaceable, and airlines have a history of losing luggage, therefore we do NOT recommend it.  If you are given a choice between checking them, or carrying them – CARRY THEM. 

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