Transporting Cremation Ashes

Grand Canyon: Courtesy of pdphoto.org

One of the most frequent questions asked about scattering ashes is can I legally transport them to that beautiful mountain place. Sure you can. Some issues may arise depending on the type of transportation you choose. Travel by car if you can but if you need to fly, you must consult with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) if you have any questions about the transport of the cremated remains on an airplane. Their current number is 1-866-289-9673 and their email is TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

It is also recommended that you call the airline before you purchase a ticket because each one will have their different rules. The ashes must be carried in a container that can be x-rayed in order for them to be carried on board. A cardboard box or one of these style boxes will work. Security agents are not allowed to open the urn of cremated remains.

Do not check your ashes! Some have come up missing. You certainly don’t want them staying in baggage claim with all that lost luggage.

If you intend to place anything in the box along with the ashes, wait until after the flight. In Miami, someone found a box of ashes filled with cremated remains and a watch to be buried with them. It triggered a bomb squad alert. So be careful what you place in the box. It is best to just transport the ashes alone and add the extra items at your destination.

If you plan on international travel, it gets more complicated because you have to get the specific country regulations. Do your homework. Don’t leave it to your relatives to do after you are gone. They should have very good instructions on what they need to do.

If all this seems like too much. There are companies that will ship the remains for you.

Just don’t let any of this make you decide to skip the spreading of you ashes in a truly wonderful place. Go out in style.