Taking the cremation urn on board of a plane

Taking a Cremation Urn on Board of a Plane

Travelling with the ashes of a loved one is a deeply personal matter. Whether you're bringing the urn home, planning a memorial abroad, or scattering ashes at a meaningful location, it’s natural to wonder whether you can take a cremation urn on board of a plane. The answer is yes—but certain guidelines must be followed.

Can You Take Ashes on a Plane?

Yes, you can take ashes on a plane. In most cases, ashes must be carried as hand luggage and must comply with both airport security regulations and the airline's internal policies. It is strongly advised to contact your airline before travelling to confirm specific requirements and avoid any unexpected issues at the airport.

Ashes Must Be Brought as Hand Luggage

Most airlines allow passengers to carry cremated remains on board as part of their cabin luggage. However, the urn must pass through an X-ray scanner at airport security. To ensure this:

• The urn must be made of a scannable material, such as wood, plastic, or certain biodegradable materials.
• Metal, stone, or ceramic urns may appear opaque on X-rays and could be denied at the checkpoint.
• TSA and most other airport security agencies will not open urns, even upon request, out of respect for the deceased.

If your urn does not pass the X-ray scan, you will not be allowed to bring it through security—so planning ahead is essential.

The Urn Must Be Properly Sealed

The urn must be securely sealed by the crematorium or the funeral service provider:

• Urns with a screw-on or snap-on lid are ideal.
• If the urn has a loose-fitting lid, it should be glued shut before travel.
• The urn should be airtight, particularly if it will remain sealed during and after the journey.

If you're travelling with an empty urn, additional flexibility may apply. Empty urns made of any material, including metal or stone, are typically permitted in carry-on baggage, since they can be physically inspected.

Cremation Ashes Shipping Alternatives

If your chosen urn is made of a non-scannable material—such as marble, heavy metals, or thick ceramics—you may consider shipping it via a trusted courier service like DHL, FedEx, or UPS. In some cases, metal urns or steel boxes may be accepted only as checked baggage, depending on the airline’s rules.

Discreet Transportation: Use of an Urn Bag

While the urn may be carried in a sturdy plastic bag, a dedicated urn bag provides a more discreet and respectful solution. These bags are specifically designed for travel and offer extra protection. You can explore our range of urn bags by using the search function in the header of our website.

Is a Certificate or Declaration Required?

Official documentation is not mandatory, but it may be helpful to carry a declaration from the crematorium. This English-language statement should mention the name of the deceased, date of death, and confirmation of cremation. While not legally required, it can ease communication during airport screening, especially in countries where carrying ashes is less common.

Scattering Ashes Abroad

If you intend to scatter the ashes in a foreign country, be aware that laws vary widely by location. Always check in advance with the embassy or consulate of the destination country to understand local regulations and any permits needed.

What Cremation Urns Are TSA Approved?

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has clear policies in place. Since 2004, TSA requires that all cremation urns in carry-on luggage must be able to pass through an X-ray scanner. If the material used in the urn generates a cloudy or opaque image, security agents will not be able to approve it, and it will be denied at the checkpoint.

• TSA will not open any urn, even if you ask.
• To avoid disruption, select a TSA-friendly urn made from materials like wood, plastic, or certain light resins.

Can I Bring Cremated Remains in Checked Luggage?

• Carry-on bags: Yes (with conditions as explained above)
• Checked luggage: Sometimes (depending on airline policy)

Although TSA allows both, many airlines prohibit ashes in checked luggage, so it's essential to check with your specific carrier.

What Documents Are Required to Transport Ashes Internationally?

When transporting cremated remains across international borders, it’s important to carry the appropriate documents to ensure a smooth customs process. Although requirements can vary by country, the following documents are commonly requested:

• Death certificate – An official copy issued by the local authority where the death occurred.
• Cremation certificate – Issued by the crematorium, confirming that the remains have been legally cremated.
• Certificate or letter from the crematorium or funeral director – A signed statement confirming that the urn contains only the ashes of the named deceased.
• Translation of documents – For non-English-speaking countries, a translated version (preferably certified) of the above documents may be required.
• Import permit – Some countries (e.g., India, Germany, Australia) may require an official permit to bring cremated remains across the border.
• Passport or ID of the person transporting the ashes – To verify your identity and your relationship to the deceased.

We recommend checking with the embassy or consulate of the destination country before traveling, as requirements may change or vary based on region or airline.

Taking Ashes on a Plane – Policy by Country

If you're traveling internationally with cremated remains, it's important to be aware that each country has its own regulations. Below is a general overview of the rules for popular destinations. Keep in mind that entry policies may change, so always confirm with the relevant embassy or consulate before traveling.

Taking Ashes to France

France allows cremated remains to be brought into the country, but you must carry a death certificate and cremation certificate. Ashes must be transported in a sealed urn and declared at customs. Scattering is permitted in certain rural areas but prohibited in public spaces.

Taking Ashes to Spain

You can bring ashes into Spain in hand luggage, provided you have supporting documentation, such as a cremation certificate and proof of identity of the deceased. It’s advised to carry a translated version in Spanish. Scattering ashes in Spain requires permission from the local municipality or regional government.

Taking Ashes to Ireland

Ireland permits the transport of ashes with minimal restrictions. Documentation is recommended (death and cremation certificates), and the urn should be sealed. Ashes can be scattered in private places with permission or in designated natural locations.

Taking Ashes to Germany

Germany has stricter rules. Ashes cannot legally be stored or scattered by individuals. Transporting ashes into the country is only allowed for burial in a cemetery. You’ll need full documentation and must arrange the burial through a licensed funeral director in Germany.

Taking Ashes to Portugal

Portugal allows ashes to be transported and scattered, but you need documentation from the crematorium. A Portuguese translation of the death and cremation certificates is recommended. Scattering may require municipal permission, especially in natural parks or coastal areas.

Taking Ashes to Greece

Greece only legalized cremation relatively recently and does not currently allow ashes to be scattered in public areas. You may bring ashes into the country with documents and a sealed urn, but they must be handled via licensed funeral providers for legal burial.

Taking Ashes to the USA

Ashes may be brought into the United States, but you must declare them to U.S. Customs. The urn must be non-metallic and X-ray scannable, and a cremation certificate is highly recommended. Scattering ashes in the U.S. is legal but subject to local laws (see Scattering Ashes and the Law in the United States).

Taking Ashes to the UK

The UK allows cremated remains to be brought in with minimal restrictions. A death and cremation certificate is useful, and the urn must be well sealed. Scattering ashes is legal with landowner permission, and many cemeteries and natural burial sites are available.

Taking Ashes to India

You may bring ashes into India, but you must declare them at customs and provide the death and cremation certificates. A specific import permit may be required. Scattering ashes in the Ganges or other holy rivers is a common practice, but contact local authorities in advance.

Taking Ashes to Australia

Australia allows the transport of cremated remains but requires the urn to be sealed and clearly labeled. Death and cremation certificates are necessary, and a customs declaration must be completed. Scattering ashes is legal in most states with landowner permission.

Taking Ashes to Europe

The rules vary across European countries. In general, a sealed, non-metallic urn and supporting documents (death and cremation certificates) are required. Translation into the destination country’s language may be helpful. Contact the embassy of the specific country to confirm current regulations.

Official Airline Policies – Transporting Cremated Remains

When traveling with cremated remains, understanding each airline’s specific policy is essential to ensure a respectful and hassle-free journey. Below, you’ll find an up-to-date overview of major international and European airlines and their official guidelines on transporting human ashes—whether in cabin baggage, checked luggage, or through cargo. This table includes documentation requirements, urn specifications, and links to the airline’s official policies (where available), helping you make informed decisions and avoid any last-minute surprises at the airport.

Final Travel Tips

• Choose an urn made of X-ray-friendly materials.
• Seal the urn properly before travel.
• Carry a declaration or certificate from the crematorium.
• Use a dedicated urn bag for discretion and protection.
• Contact your airline and check local laws if travelling internationally.

For up-to-date information on allowed items, visit the TSA’s official page: What Can I Bring? – TSA.gov