Can You Bring Ashes On A Plane? Flying with Cremated Remains

If you are traveling with the cremated remains of a loved one or someone you know, you may wonder if you can bring ashes on a plane. It is unfortunate to proceed on an airplane journey not for travel, but with taking the ashes of your loved one. Maybe you are taking their cremated remains to flow at a sacred location, or you are taking them home to keep as a memory forever.

Well, you could also be carrying the ashes of your dear pet, your dog. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) understands your concern and imposes no hard and fast rules if you wish to place ashes in your bags.

But, as it goes for taking other items on a plane, there are certain instructions to keep in mind. This guide informs you about each and every detail, in case you want to keep cremated remains in your bags.

Give it a read.

TSA Rules About Can You Bring Ashes On A Plane?

Packing in Carry-on Bag

There are no restrictions on placing cremated remains in your hand luggage.

But, as the general rule goes for all the items to enable easy X-ray screening at the security checkpoint, the TSA advises passengers to keep them in a container or urn made of lightweight wood, plastic, ceramic or other material. Then it can be kept in the carry-on.

For instance, if the container carrying the ashes seems to be creating an opaque image, it will create a hassle for the TSA officer to check it properly. Please note that the TSA officer will not open the container owing to respect and courtesy.

Nevertheless, you must ensure that there is no such item in the container that is not permitted to be taken ahead or could be harmful to other passengers. So, for this, you need to bring a letter or a death certificate signed by an authority to show at the TSA checkpoint. You may also seek assistance from a funeral director for the same.

If the ashes buzz alarm at the checkpoint, the TSA will resort to other responsible means, respecting your privacy, to verify the item. The same shall not be allowed ahead if there is some problem identifying the item. This is necessary as some people could take undue advantage and bring a prohibited item in the form of ashes.

Apart from this, you must confirm with your airline whether the ashes container will be considered a carry-on or a personal item.

Packing in Checked Baggage

Although the TSA has not issued any instructions or restrictions on placing ashes in your checked luggage, it recommends you to check the same with the airline you have made a flight reservation with.

So, this is clear that these rules depend from airline to airline. Therefore, please make sure to reach out to the concerned team of your airline to seek information in advance rather than facing any difficulties at the end moment.

Though all the major USA airlines like Alaska, Southwest, United, Delta, American etc., allow you to take ashes, be sure about their rules or instructions. Some even provide services to transport cremated remains.

What You Need To Know About Traveling With Ashes On A Plane?

Here are some quick pointers that will help you with hassle-free packing of ashes in your bags and pass through the airport security.

1. Notify the airline and TSA beforehand – You must speak to a backend agent of the airline you are traveling with. Seek all the necessary information regarding their policies and instructions on the same. Also, you must inform the TSA officer during the X-ray screening process for an easy inspection.
2. Use a suitable container – You are suggested to place ashes in a light-weight container or urn made of wood, fabric, plastic, ceramic or other material. It is important to note that if the container creates an opaque image during the screening, it will be difficult for the TSA officers to scan it properly.
3. Cooperate for additional screening – You may have to undergo additional screening by the TSA officers, if they are not able to clear the ashes container through the checkpoint. They never open the containers out of respect, but may use other non-intrusive methods to check there are real ashes in the container and not explosives or prohibited items. This is done to ensure safety and security at the airport and on board.
4. Keep necessary documentation – You must be ready with all the major documents required to be shown at the security checkpoint or when you reach your travel destination. You may seek help from a funeral director or contact the related embassy whether you need to carry the original and photocopy of the death certificate or other authorized papers.

Can You Bring Pet Ashes On A Plane?

Well, the answer is Yes. It is similar to taking human ashes on a plane. But, in this case, also, you need to be sure of keeping all the related documents with you. For this, you may have to consult the veterinary doctor of your pet.

Can You Bring An Urn With Ashes?

Yes, you can definitely bring an urn containing ashes. But please make sure that it is made of lightweight plastic, ceramic, wood, cardboard, fabric, or other material. This is necessary to enable easy X-ray screening at the TSA security checkpoint.

The urn must clear the screening test at the airport security. Though a TSA officer will not open it even after you request them to, they may use other non-intrusive methods to check the same. This is necessary to find if there is a prohibited item in the urn being taken to cause chaos at the airport or on the flight. 

Can You Bring A Necklace With Ashes On A Plane?

As stated by the TSA on its official website, passengers are permitted to take jewelry with them. So, ideally, there won’t be any issue bringing ashes stored in a necklace.

However, the TSA powder rules may apply in this case. Passengers are allowed to keep powder-like items up to 12 ounces in their carry-on. And, ashes in a necklace would be too less than this. But, it is always better to confirm beforehand. You can send a tweet while tagging @AskTSA on Twitter. Write your concern to seek guidance from their social media team.

How To Go With Ashes On A Plane?

Since all the items need to undergo a stringent screening process at the airport security, there are certain considerations you must keep in mind while taking ashes on a plane.

1. It is important to collect all the possible information about the rules defined by the airline you are traveling with. This will make you clear about taking ashes in your luggage or further instructions, if any. It would even be better to first seek details from the airlines that suit you the best and make your reservation with the relevant one.
2. You can also collect information from the embassy or other appropriate authorities, in case of international travel. What if you can take ashes from one country and face restrictions after reaching the destination country? So, it is better to confirm everything beforehand, in case you are visiting a foreign location.
3. You must also know about preparing all the necessary documents. Usually, you may be recommended by an embassy to keep the original and a photocopy of the death certificate and the cremation certificate ready. Rules can be different for all countries. In addition, don’t forget to confirm other such documentary requirements from your airline.
4. Though ashes may be allowed in your checked luggage, it is advised to place them in your carry-on. This is because the checked baggage goes through transfers. Rough movements by careless handlers may affect the positioning of the ashes container and they may spill on your belongings.

Concluding Lines

Ashes are allowed to be taken in both carry-on bags and checked luggage. But, you need to be sure about the policies defined by the airline you are traveling with. The TSA department is well aware of this personal loss that passengers go through. They respect the fact that cremated remains are the belongings of their loved ones. They will not open the container of ashes but will use other respectful means to verify if there is any concealment and if a dangerous item is being taken inside. Hence, you need to be careful.

Frequently Asked Questions