It's not unusual for people to want to have their cremated remains spread over a certain place, such as the ocean. Getting the remains to that location, however, can be a challenge sometimes. If your trip includes flying on an airplane, here's what you need to know to avoid drama and safely get your loved one to his or her final resting place.
Contact the Airline First
The different airlines have different rules concerning the transport of cremated remains on their planes. Some airlines let you carry the urns onto the plane, while others require you to check it with your luggage. If possible, contact the airline before you make decisions about the type of urn you should buy. Knowing the rules ahead of time ensures you'll pick the right container for your needs.
Additionally, many airlines want to know in advance that there will be human remains onboard just in case there is an accident and special measures need to be taken to clean up the mess or prevent passengers from falling ill. Therefore, let the customer service agent know about your plans when booking your ticket.
Opt for a Durable Container
If you'll be putting the remains inside of checked luggage, you'll want to get a container that can withstand a lot of abuse. Checked bags get thrown around by baggage handlers and have heavier pieces piled on top of them all the time. The last thing you want is to open your suitcase and find your clothing covered in ash.
Urns made from cardboard, cloth, plastic, and wood are ideal for use in checked bags, while urns made from ceramic or glass should be carried on-board. For added protection, consider packing the urn inside another container and surrounding it with paper or packing peanuts to cushion the urn against bumps and drops.
Make Sure the Container is Scannable
If you'll be carrying the remains on the plane, you need to ensure the container you purchase can be scanned by security machines. If the urn can't be scanned to determine there are no banned items inside, the TSA won't let you take it on the plane. While the staff will employ other means to determine whether the remains are safe, they will not open the container. So the responsibility is on you to ensure you get a TSA-approved urn. The funeral director can usually point you in the right direction.
Once you get passed security, (or your luggage gets checked), you generally won't encounter any other problems with the cremated remains save for other passengers who may be curious about what you're transporting. For more information about flying with cremated remains, contact American Cremation Society to learn more.
Share30 December 2016
When my father passed away a year ago, my mother didn't have any problems with the funeral or burial. My father planned his funeral in advance. He didn't want to burden my mom with any problems during her time of grieving. That hit me. I realized that I didn't have any plans for my own future, which would make it even harder on my wife and kids. So, I contacted a funeral home online and requested information about burial services. The funeral home provided me with many options that I could afford to pay over time or upfront. My wife also helped select burial plots for us because we didn't want to be separated — even after death. I encourage you to read through my blog. It offers great tips and advice on how to plan for your own future. Don't wait. You never know what life holds for you.