When traveling with cremated remains the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has a few simple guidelines to help make traveling as easy as possible. By understanding some of the below guidelines you can be ensured that flying with a cremation doesn’t involve any unexpected surprises.
The TSA outlines two options for bringing a cremation urn on-board an airplane:
- Carry-On Luggage: When bringing a cremation urn on-board a plane, the TSA has one guideline: the urn must be able to pass through an x-ray machine. Due to heightened security precautions, the TSA has placed these rules in effect to ensure the safety of travelers. It is important to know prior to traveling if your urn is accepted by the TSA for travel in cabin. Cremation urns that cannot pass through the x-ray will not be admitted for on-board travel. See our list below for information about which urns will work for transportation use.
- Checked Baggage: To carry a cremation urn on-board the plane as checked baggage, the TSA must successfully screen the container. Please note, under no circumstances will the TSA ever open a cremation urn. Even if a TSA employee has been explicitly given permission, they will never open an urn out of respect for the deceased. As with all luggage, the TSA will screen the cremation urn for explosive materials and devices using a variety of methods. If the urn passes screening it will be allowed as checked baggage. Currently, some airlines do not allow cremation urns/cremated remains to be transported in checked baggage. It is important when traveling to contact your airline prior to traveling to to ensure make sure this is ok.
Cremation Urn Materials Permitted for use as Carry-On Luggage
Cremation urns are made from a wide variety of materials. The TSA can permit certain materials through their x-ray which can be properly analyzed. If you are uncertain whether a particular urn can be passed through TSA x-ray equipment we encourage you to contact us for additional information.
Suggested Materials
By following some of the above mentioned guidelines you can be assured your travels will be smooth. As always, we encourage anyone who has questions to contact us if you need any further assistance.
Visit the TSA’s website for more information: TSA (Transportation Security Administration).
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