When a loved one has died, there may be a number of reasons why their cremated ashes need to travel by plane. You may want to bring ashes home to family, take them to another state for a memorial service or return them to a place that was important to the person who has died.
For families already dealing with grief, the thought of travelling with cremated ashes can feel stressful. There are questions about airport security, urns, documentation and whether ashes can be taken into the aircraft cabin.
The good news is that travelling with cremated remains is possible in many circumstances. However, the exact requirements can depend on the airline, airport, country of departure and destination.
Planning ahead can make the process much easier.
Can you carry cremated ashes on a plane?
Cremated remains can be transported by air, including in some circumstances as passenger baggage. However, airlines and authorities can have their own requirements about how ashes must be packaged, presented and transported.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recognises the transportation of cremated remains by air and provides guidance for airlines and funeral professionals. IATA also advises passengers to check the requirements of the individual airline before travelling.
This is particularly important if you are travelling internationally. Different countries may have different requirements for bringing cremated remains across their borders.
If you are flying within Australia, it is also important to remember that all passengers and baggage are subject to airport security screening.
Should you carry ashes in your hand luggage?
Many people prefer to keep cremated ashes with them rather than placing them in checked luggage.
This can provide peace of mind because the ashes remain with you throughout the journey. However, whether the ashes can be carried in cabin baggage depends on the airline's policies and the requirements of the airport.
Before travelling, contact your airline and specifically explain that you intend to travel with cremated human remains.
Do not simply rely on general baggage information. Airline rules can differ and the Australian Department of Home Affairs specifically recommends contacting the airline if you are unsure whether something can be taken on board.
Choosing an appropriate urn
The type of urn you use can be particularly important when travelling by air.
Some traditional urns are made from materials that may make security screening more difficult. For this reason, it can be worth asking your funeral director about a travel-friendly urn or temporary container.
A container that can be readily screened may help avoid unnecessary delays at the airport.
IATA guidance highlights the importance of appropriate packaging when transporting human remains and recommends checking requirements with the funeral home or airline when flying with cremated remains.
If you are planning to place the ashes into a permanent memorial urn when you arrive, a temporary travel container may be worth considering.
Will airport security open the urn?
One of the biggest concerns families have is whether airport security will need to open the urn.
Security screening procedures vary and there is no guarantee that an urn will simply pass through security without further inspection.
This is one reason choosing an appropriate container and contacting the airline before travelling can be helpful.
Australian airports have compulsory security screening for passengers entering secure areas. Screening officers must determine that passengers are not carrying prohibited items before they are allowed through the screening point.
If security staff need additional information or screening is required, remaining calm and explaining that you are carrying cremated remains can help the process.
It may also be helpful to arrive at the airport earlier than usual so you do not feel rushed.
What documents should you take?
Documentation requirements can vary depending on where you are travelling.
It is sensible to carry documents relating to the cremation, such as the cremation certificate or other documentation provided by the funeral home or crematorium.
IATA notes that there is no single universal international process for transporting human remains and that country-specific and airline-specific requirements can apply.
Before your trip, check:
Your airline's requirements
The airport's security requirements
The destination country's entry requirements
Any transit country's requirements if you have connecting flights
Whether additional documentation is required
Keeping important documents together in your hand luggage can make them easier to access if you are asked about the ashes during your journey.
Can you take ashes on an international flight?
International travel with cremated ashes can require more planning than a domestic flight.
The rules can change depending on the country you are entering. Some destinations may require particular documents or declarations before cremated remains can enter the country.
This means that checking only your departure airline is not always enough.
If you are travelling internationally, speak with your funeral director or crematorium and contact your airline well before your departure date. You should also check the requirements of the destination country's relevant government authority.
What about connecting flights?
If your journey involves one or more connecting flights, remember that you may be dealing with more than one airline and potentially more than one country's requirements.
For example, a journey from Australia to Europe might involve a departure airport, a transit airport and a destination country.
Each part of the journey should be considered when planning.
Check the rules for the complete itinerary rather than assuming that because the first airline accepts cremated remains and consider whether it’s better to have the ashes in cabin baggage to avoid the potential for the ashes to be delayed in transit or bags being lost.
Travelling with ashes while grieving
There is also an emotional side to carrying cremated ashes on a plane.
For many people, the urn represents someone they love. Going through airport security with it can feel very different from travelling with ordinary luggage.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Arriving early can reduce pressure, particularly if you are travelling during a busy period. Keep the ashes secure and make sure the container is appropriately prepared for travel.
You may also want to let a family member or travel companion know that you are carrying the ashes so they can support you during the journey.
There is no need to feel embarrassed about being emotional. Travelling with the ashes of someone you love can be an important part of saying goodbye.