You may have seen a story in the news recently about a traveler finding his mother’s cremains spilled in his checked bag at LAX. We understand how painful losing a loved one is, and we express our sincere condolences. It’s terrible that he had to discover this, and we can’t fathom the emotions this would induce.
In an effort to prevent this from happening to anybody else, we’d like to explain what happened and offer some guidance on traveling with cremains.
We immediately looked into the matter, and upon video review, we learned that the checked bag alarmed for an unidentified object. Upon opening the bag for inspection, a TSA officer discovered that the object was an opened, unmarked ceramic container that was loosely wrapped in aluminum foil. Due to the lack of markings, the officer did not know that the contents were cremains. The container was carefully repacked and the bag was cleared to continue to its destination.
Travelers are allowed to travel with cremains in a checked bag, however it is recommended to do so in a carry-on bag to help protect the contents from the risks associated with checked baggage. Checked bags are subjected to rapid and sometimes rough movement along a series of conveyor belts as they make the trek to and from the aircraft. A little known fact is that checked bags are only in TSA’s possession for a fraction of their journey to the aircraft.
TSA has a clear process for screening crematory remains. Our officers routinely conduct these types of screenings throughout our nation’s airports. Crematory remains in carry-on must pass through the X-ray machine to be screened. If the X-ray operator cannot clear the remains, TSA may apply other, non-intrusive means of resolving the alarm. If the officer cannot determine that the container does not contain a prohibited item, the remains will not be permitted.
We understand the emotional stress passengers may be under when transporting the remains of a loved one. Our guidelines for traveling with crematory remains are not intended to make this already emotionally difficult process more complex than needed. However, crematory remains are one of the many sensitive items that could be exploited by someone wanting to conceal a dangerous item. TSA officers are trained to treat all travelers’ belongings with care and respect and will not open containers with cremated remains, even if the passenger requests this be done.
We have a team of TSA employees who are ready to answer your questions via Twitter at @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger. They look forward to answering your questions 365 days a year from 9 a.m.to 7 p.m. ET daily. You may also reach our contact center by email or by phone at 866-289-9673. Federal Relay: 711
Some airlines do not allow crematory remains in checked baggage, so check with your airline first.
Bob Burns
TSA Social Media
FAQs
The TSA recommends that you use an urn made of wood, biodegradable materials (like paper), or plastic when flying with ashes. Some examples of TSA approved urns include an Urn Vault, Biodegradable urn,or a wood urn.
How do you travel with cremated remains? ›
Crematory remains in carry-on must pass through the X-ray machine to be screened. If the X-ray operator cannot clear the remains, TSA may apply other, non-intrusive means of resolving the alarm. If the officer cannot determine that the container does not contain a prohibited item, the remains will not be permitted.
What paperwork do you need to take ashes on a plane? ›
The certificate of cremation is required, and it is always a good idea to carry a copy of the certified death certificate when traveling. You will need a burial transit permit, and those taking out of country flights should contact customs in their final destination for specific regulations.
What airlines allow ashes? ›
Airline Helpful Links
- Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines allows customers to bring cremated remains of humans and pets on board as a carry-on or checked baggage. ...
- American Airlines American airlines does not require special documentation and cremated ashes of a human or a pet are treated as a passenger's carry-on bag.
TSA-approved cremation urns must meet certain size and material requirements. Typically, urns must be smaller than 7.4 x 5.5 x 9.5 inches (or 18.8 x 14 x 24.1 centimeters) to qualify for carry-on baggage. This size limitation ensures that the urns can fit within the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.
How much does it cost to take ashes on a plane? ›
When traveling by plane, airlines have standardized pricing for luggage depending on type and weight. Cremated remains are not subject to additional costs, so pricing depends on luggage costs (calculated by weight and volume) by the airline. In many cases, you can carry on ashes in a secure container for free.
How do you transport human ashes? ›
Cremated remains can only be shipped via Priority Mail Express from one state to another, or Priority Mail Express International if you're transporting cremated remains to a different country. Cremated remains are given their own specific designation known as Label 139, which enables tracking.
Do you have to declare ashes on a plane? ›
Do you need permission to take ashes on a plane? Yes, you will need to let your airline know that you are travelling with ashes. You aren't really asking permission, but rather you are confirming there won't be an issue. By contacting the airline directly, you can eliminate many of the potential roadblocks.
Why can't you take ashes on a plane? ›
It's 100% legal to take cremated remains in a cremation container or urn on the plane with you, but first it must pass through the X-ray. If the urn is X-ray proof then it will not be allowed on the plane. It is against TSA policy and illegal for airport employees to open a cremation container.
Can you take human cremains on a plane? ›
Checked Bags: Yes
To facilitate screening, we suggest that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material, such as wood or plastic.
Ashes do not need to be declared when carried on an airplane. You may want to have a certificate of cremation, but it is not required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). If you are packing the ashes in a carry-on bag, we recommend placing them in a durable container and wrapping them securely.
How do you ship an urn with ashes? ›
For both domestic and international shipping, cremated remains must be shipped by USPS Priority Mail Express or Priority Mail Express International Service utilizing either a USPS-produced or customer-supplied shipping package.
How much does it cost to take ashes abroad? ›
Other than the extra hand luggage when travelling by plane, there are practically no additional charges when taking ashes abroad. However, you should always check with the airline you are flying with if they have any additional fees when flying with ashes.
How do you seal an urn for travel? ›
Simply sqeeze a thin bead of silicon sealant onto lid then securely attach the lid to the urn. Generally you would let the sealant dry for 24 hours. Check the instructions on your sealant. If you later want to remove the lid, just twist the lid back and forth with some force.
Can I travel with an empty urn? ›
Anyone wishing to transport an empty permanent metal, opaque, or lead lined urn in checked baggage, must leave the top of the urn open (since screeners can not open the urn).
Can anything be used as an urn? ›
If you are not storing your urn in a cemetery, you can use any container for the cremains.
Are you allowed to bring cremated ashes on a plane? ›
Checked Bags: Yes
To facilitate screening, we suggest that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material, such as wood or plastic.
Can you take cremated ashes on a plane? ›
The TSA allows travelers to transport cremated ashes on airplanes. However, it recommends that you do so in a carry-on bag. It prevents them from spilling during the routine handling of checked baggage. Checked baggage is susceptible to rough movements on conveyor belts and cargo containers.
Can you transport cremated remains by car in to the US? ›
Cremated remains can be shipped in advance to your destination or you can take them on the plane as long as they meet airline and Transportation Security Administration guidelines. If traveling by car, the paperwork provided by your cremation service provider is likely sufficient; but always ask.
Does travel insurance cover cremation? ›
This coverage provides transportation of the deceased's remains back to their home country. Some plans may also cover local cremation or burial. Please read the below FAQ to help clarify you on certain questions you may have regarding this benefit.
