Updated on 09/16/22
Traveling with an urn is a necessity for many of us. Traveling by plane can be stressful, fortunately, the process is made simple when you understand a few TSA guidelines.
Homeland security requires that all carry-on items go through an x-ray device. There are many x-ray compatible urns, like the Eco Pod Collection, Palm Frond Basket Urns, or the Simply Scattering Tubes.
If you prefer a heavier, thicker urn, like brass or marble, it may be best to purchase a temporary container to carry-on the cremains, and pack the permanent piece with checked baggage.
It’s important to contact your chosen airline in advance of travel for their specifications.
Some airlines simply don’t allow cremated remains as checked baggage, and one quick call can assure your trip is hassle free.
In general, any urn that creates an opaque image on an x-ray machine will be denied as a carry-on item. In respect to the deceased, under no circumstances will a screener open the container at any time, even if the passenger requests it. Not even documents from the funeral home will help if the urn can’t be x-rayed.
Urns for ashes made of wood, glass, plastic, and non-lead lined ceramics are generally allowed.
If the airline does not allow the urn as checked baggage and it does not pass the x-ray, the urn will be denied air travel.
Your urn as checked baggage
Another option is to plan in advance and pack the urn with checked-baggage (if your airline allows this). Most urns can be sealed permanently or temporarily. Making sure it’s sealed well is vital to avoiding unpleasant repercussions.
Without being opened, the container will undergo various tests for explosive devices and, if cleared, will be permitted as checked baggage.
Paper work from the crematorium or Funeral Director may be necessary.
5 Steps to Plan for When Traveling by Plane with Cremated Ashes:
1- Before you make your reservation check to see what the Airlines rules and regulations are for traveling with your loved ones cremains in an cremation urn. Some Airlines want you to check the Urn while others will accept it as a carry on.
2- Inform the Airline at check in that you have the cremation urn with cremains. They can explain any necessary boarding policies.
3- Explain at the TSA Security Station what you have and they will treat you and your loved ones remains with the utmost respect. But be aware that they have a job to do.
*They will not ever open the Cremation Urn.
They will X-ray the urn, aluminum or otherwise , as well as other TSA procedures for them to be confident to move you and your loved one through this check point.
4- From there you should be able to board with out any problems, secure in the knowledge that the urn is safe.
5- If it is out of country, check with customs before you travel but their polices are not much different than TSA's. Always make sure to research any country and their regulations in regards to traveling with cremains.
Again paper work from the Crematorium or Funeral Director may be necessary.
For more information call or log on to: TSA – Transportation Security Administration – TSA Travel Tips- 866-289-9673
Steve
You should be fine traveling with the urns as long as they are lead free and not lined with anything that will interfere with the X-Ray scan.
Sincerely,
Susan Fraser
As long as the urn is not lined with anything and is lead free you will be fine. I would suggest calling the airline you plan on flying with first though to confirm what their specific requirements are when flying with cremated remains.
Sincerely,
Susan Fraser