Can one travel with human ashes on aeroplanes?

[Bigfellah]

I will be travelling abroad to scatter my mum's ashes at what was a favourite place of hers during her lifetime. Does anyone know whether airlines allow this in hand baggage or should the container with the ashes be placed in hold baggage?

Thank you.

[TonyV]

bigfella - depends on whether you are are flying on scheduled flight or charter - an option is to pack it seperately marked as fragile and ask for it to put in the front hold - then you will be sure it is on flight

[MarkRae]

trt - the Ed has taken care of that for you.

[chrissa1]

You are obviously one of the lucky people who haven't experienced a grievous loss.
Please Think before you post.

[RATTER15]

Some people really do have a sick sense of humour! Sorry you had to have these A$$holes comment Bigfellah.

[237SJ]

TonyV - scheduled or charter makes no difference!

[TonyV]

237SJ - I just found Scheduled flights more accomodating to put stuff in the the front hold - other than pushchairs - realise you need to contact the airline first - far easier if you know the airline you booked with

[Trotbot]

I have been on a flight recently where a passenger was carrying his wife's ashes. They had always wanted to go on holiday to New Zealand, but she died (he was in his 70s) and so he decided to scatter her ashes there. He sat with her ashes on his lap from London to Bangkok (and probably beyond). Still, best to check first

[SeaJayPea]

I'm due to do the same thing shortly - illness has prevented me from having done it already.

You'll definitely need some paperwork. The death certificate and the cremation certificate at the very least. Might be an idea to contact your nearest embassy/consulate to check what you do need. Otherwise, your funeral director should know what's wanted and how to get it.

The last thing you want is some customs officer deciding that what you're carrying is a product of Colombia or Afghanistan. That would be extremely distressing.

Hope it all goes well.

[coccinelle]

I recently travelled with my husband's ashes with Easyjet. This was to come into England. Needed death certificate and certificate from crem. and the urn had to be sealed. Before leaving check with the country you're going to scatter the ashes that you can! In france you can't scatter ashes in a public place for example.

[coccinelle]

Forgot to add, the ashes have to be in your hand luggage.