Can You Travel On A Plane With Human Ashes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Transportation Security Administration permits flying with cremated remains both in their carry-on bags and in checked luggage

. However, the container should not be made of a material that generates an opaque x-ray image, as TSA agents will be unable to scan the urn to determine what is inside.

What are the rules for flying with human ashes?


Ashes may be transported in carry on bags or checked bags

. TSA allows passengers to transport cremated ashes in carry-on bags and in checked baggage. However, it is important to note that some airlines do not allow cremated ashes in checked bags.

Can you bring cremated ashes on a plane?


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.

Which airlines allow cremated remains?

Of the “big three” American carriers,

United Airlines and American Airlines

require cremated remains to be transported with carry-on baggage. Delta Air Lines lets you check cremated remains or carry them on, but it also requires a death or funeral certificate.

Can you send cremated remains in the mail?


The United States Postal Service offers the only legal method of shipping cremated remains domestically or internationally

. Their most recent guidelines were issued September, 2019. The United States Postal Service® (USPS) is the only shipping company that ships Cremated Remains.

Does the body feel pain during cremation?

When someone dies, they don’t feel things anymore, so

they don’t feel any pain at all

.” If they ask what cremation means, you can explain that they are put in a very warm room where their body is turned into soft ashes—and again, emphasize that it is a peaceful, painless process.

Can you take cremated ashes on Spirit Airlines?

United Airlines will also not allow for your cremated human remains to be checked. They also suggest carrying a death certificate during your travels.

Spirit Airlines currently allows for human and pet remains to be transported in carry on or checked luggage

.

Do you have clothes on when you are cremated?

Are you clothed when you are cremated?

Cremation of a body can be done with or without clothing

. Typically, if there has been a traditional funeral (with the body) present, the deceased will be cremated in whatever clothing they were wearing.

Can you take ashes on American Airlines?

American Airlines classifies human or pet ashes as “special items.”

American Airlines allows you to bring your cremated remains within a carry-on bag

. They don’t require any special documentation as long as you’re flying domestically, though it’s still a good idea to bring documentation in case it’s requested by TSA.

How long does it take to cremate a body?

The actual cremation (burning of the dead body, turning them into ashes) can take about

3-4 hours

, and processing the cremated remains takes another 2-3 hours.

Are ashes loose in an urn?


No. At least, the ashes are not loose in the temporary urn when you receive your loved one’s remains back from the crematorium or funeral home

. As mentioned above, the remains will be in a plastic bag.

Is it OK to divide ashes?

As you can see,

dividing ashes after cremation is actually a fairly common practice

. It can be a way to help each family member grieve, remember, and honor their loved one in a special way. It can help avoid conflict or settle disagreements. And it can simply be what the departed loved one wanted.

How much does it cost to cremate someone?

The cost of an adult cremation at a council crematorium is

$589

. There are additional costs for services on weekends and public holidays.

How much does it cost to ship human ashes internationally?

Average Cost of Transporting Remains

The cost to ship cremated remains internationally will be

about $300

, while the cost to ship a person’s body can be $10,000-$20,000, says International Insurance. It’s important to note that all costs are the responsibility of the family.

Which part of human body does not burn in fire?


The bones

of the body do not burn in fire.

Do they drain your blood before cremation?

15. Is a body drained before cremation?

Draining a body of fluids does not happen before cremation

. If a body is embalmed before cremation, the bodily fluids are exchanged (drained, and then replaced) with chemicals during the embalming process.

Which part of the body does not burn during cremation?

You don’t get ash back.

What’s really returned to you is

the person’s skeleton

. Once you burn off all the water, soft tissue, organs, skin, hair, cremation container/casket, etc., what you’re left with is bone.

How do you transport cremated remains internationally?

You can ship cremated remains via the USPS provided they are packaged in a strong and durable container and are sent domestically using the USPS Priority Mail Express service. When shipping internationally,

cremated remains must be sent using the USPS Priority Mail Express International Service

.

Can you view the body before cremation?

The common misconception about cremation is that it is not possible to have a visitation, wake or more formal services.

Visitations are not only allowed before a cremation

; they are a popular and appropriate choice for many families.

What happens to teeth when cremated?

At cremation temperatures,

any gold in the teeth will be definitely melted

. Also, during the cremation, the remains may have to be moved and repositioned to facilitate a complete process. That means that any metals that get liquefied at those temperatures also get mixed in with the bone fragments.

What happens during cremation of a body?

The body is prepared and placed into a proper container. The container with the body is moved to the “retort” or cremation chamber. After cremation, the remaining metal is removed, and the remains are ground. The “ashes” are transferred to either a temporary container or in an urn provided by the family.

Maria Kunar
Author
Maria Kunar
Maria is a cultural enthusiast and expert on holiday traditions. With a focus on the cultural significance of celebrations, Maria has written several blogs on the history of holidays and has been featured in various cultural publications. Maria's knowledge of traditions will help you appreciate the meaning behind celebrations.