A local funeral director recently explained that an airline security official refused to allow a family to carry cremated remains on board the aircraft in a polycontainer. The airline regulations required the ashes to be properly packed in a secure, sealed container, accompanied by appropriate documentation.
Passengers must check with the airline in advance to confirm current security requirements. Do not assume that every airline will allow ashes to be carried as part of the passenger hand luggage, especially in the wake of recent airline security concerns.
To avoid damage or delay, transfer cremated remains to a simple sealed wooden urn, carry the original death, cremation and sealing certificates and consular documentation if necessary. Ashes travelling as manifested cargo should be placed in a zinc lined wooden urn, sealed and packed securely. Call the Helpline to see if consular documents are required for your destination. Families can call us for consular documentation advice Tel: 020 8684 2324
