Domestic travel with cremated remains is typically allowed by most airlines. However, when it comes to international travel, regulations vary by country. To ensure that you comply with all applicable rules, it is recommended that you contact your airline in advance and verify the requirements. Some airlines may ask for a certified copy of the death or cremation certificate. Although most airlines do not permit cremated remains as checked luggage, some may permit you to bring them in your carry-on.
The TSA employs varying equipment at each airport, and its agents are strictly prohibited from opening cremation urns. Therefore, it is crucial for the containers to be compatible with x-ray technology. TSA regulations prohibit the carriage of materials that x-rays cannot penetrate, such as metal, stone, and ceramic.
In 2004, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced a regulation requiring that urns transported as carry-on luggage must pass through the x-ray machine successfully. TSA has reported that numerous urns produce an opaque image and are not permitted through airport security, and that security personnel will not open urns.
TSA advises consumers to buy a temporary container made of wood, plastic, or non-lead lined ceramic to transport the remains of their loved ones. TSA also requests that cemeteries, crematoriums, and funeral homes notify customers who intend to transport cremated remains via carry-on luggage of the need to buy a temporary urn in addition to their permanent urn, or to acquire a permanent urn that satisfies the TSA's criteria. It also requests that vendors who offer these types of urns and manufacturers who can create metal or standard ceramic urns with a removable container that can be successfully x-rayed be aware of the regulation.
Please do contact us with any further questions.
