Transporting cremated remains by air can be a delicate process, especially when traveling internationally between the U.S. and Canada. Understanding the legal requirements and airline policies can help ensure a smooth journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from required documentation to where to place the urn during the flight
1. Legal Requirements for Transporting Cremated Remains
When flying with cremated remains, both the U.S. and Canadian governments have clear guidelines. It’s essential to follow these to avoid delays at the airport:
- Documentation: You will need to carry a death certificate and a cremation certificate. Some airlines may also require additional documentation, so it’s a good idea to confirm this with your airline beforehand.
- TSA (U.S.): The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires cremated remains to be placed in a container that can pass through X-ray screening. If the urn is made from a material that obstructs the X-ray machine, it may be denied entry through security.
- CBSA (Canada): The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) also allows cremated remains to be transported, but you must declare them upon arrival. The documentation must be easily accessible, and you should have no trouble as long as the urn passes through security.
2. Airline Policies for Cremated Remains
Most airlines have similar policies for transporting cremated remains, but there are some nuances you should be aware of.
Delta Airlines
- Carry-On: Allowed as part of carry-on baggage. Delta recommends using a temporary, X-ray-friendly urn made of wood or plastic.
- Checked Luggage: Also permitted, though carry-on is preferred.
- Documentation: Required death and cremation certificates.
Air Canada
- Carry-On: Cremated remains are permitted and recommended to be carried in the cabin.
- Checked Luggage: Allowed but not preferred due to handling risks.
- Documentation: Must carry death and cremation certificates.
American Airlines
- Carry-On: Cremated remains are allowed, but the urn must pass through the X-ray machine.
- Checked Luggage: Cremated remains can be checked, though it is not recommended.
- Documentation: Death and cremation certificates are required.
United Airlines
- Carry-On: Cremated remains are allowed in carry-on baggage, and the urn must pass through the X-ray machine.
- Checked Luggage: Permitted but not recommended.
- Documentation: Death and cremation certificates must be carried.
WestJet
- Carry-On: Cremated remains are allowed in the cabin. The urn must be scannable by X-ray.
- Checked Luggage: Allowed, but carry-on is strongly recommended.
- Documentation: Be sure to carry the necessary certificates.
Other Airlines
These policies (above) are fairly standard across most airlines, but it’s always best to double-check with your airline prior to travel to ensure compliance with their specific requirements.
3. Preparing for TSA and CBSA Security Screening
To avoid delays during airport security checks, it’s crucial to be aware of screening requirements:
- X-ray Friendly Urns: The urn must be made of materials that allow security personnel to clearly scan it. Containers made of wood, plastic, or cardboard are ideal, as they can be scanned easily. Metal or lead-lined urns may block the X-ray machine and cause complications at the checkpoint.
- Non-Scannable Urns: If the urn cannot be scanned, TSA or CBSA officers may not allow it through security. Cremated remains cannot be opened for inspection due to regulations, so choosing a temporary urn is a good option for travel.
4. Where to Place the Urn During Travel
Once you’ve passed through security, you’ll need to decide where to store the urn during the flight. Here’s what you should know:
- Cabin Overhead Bin: The urn can be stored in the overhead bin as part of your carry-on luggage. Just make sure it’s secure and will not shift during the flight.
- Under the Seat: If the urn is small enough, you can place it under the seat in front of you. Most standard-sized urns can fit under the seat, but check the dimensions of your specific urn and airline guidelines to be sure.
5. Should I Check the Urn or Keep It in the Cabin?
When deciding whether to check the urn or keep it with you in the cabin, here are some important considerations:
- Carry-On is Preferred: It’s strongly recommended to carry cremated remains in the cabin with you. Keeping the urn in your carry-on luggage minimizes the risk of the urn being lost, damaged, or mishandled during the trip. If your checked luggage is delayed or lost, it could create unnecessary stress.
- Checked Luggage Risks: While most airlines allow cremated remains to be placed in checked luggage, it’s not advisable due to the risk of loss or damage. Checked luggage is more likely to be mishandled, delayed, or exposed to harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures. For something as precious as cremated remains, it’s best to keep them with you.
- TSA and Airline Security: Cremated remains must pass through an X-ray screening. If you check the urn and it’s not scannable, airport personnel may need to open or inspect it, which is something both you and security officials would want to avoid. Keeping the urn in the cabin allows you to monitor it and ensure it’s handled respectfully.
6. How to Avoid Delays
Here are a few tips to help you avoid unnecessary delays:
- Contact the Airline in Advance: Each airline may have slightly different policies for carrying cremated remains. Contact them ahead of time to confirm you have the correct documentation and understand their procedures.
- Have Documentation Ready: Ensure that you have easy access to the required death and cremation certificates. Keep them in your carry-on for quick reference at security or customs.
- Choose a Temporary, X-ray Friendly Urn: If your permanent urn is made of metal or another material that can’t be X-rayed, consider using a temporary urn for travel. You can transfer the remains into a permanent urn at your destination.
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to pass through security. Cremated remains may require additional checks, so arriving early will reduce the risk of missing your flight.
7. Additional Considerations
- Label the Urn: Clearly label the urn with your contact information in case it gets separated from your carry-on luggage. You may also want to include a label indicating it contains cremated remains to avoid confusion.
- Avoid Peak Travel Times: Traveling during off-peak hours can help reduce delays at security checkpoints and during boarding.
8. Weight and Size of the Urn with Ashes
Understanding the weight and size of the urn can also help you plan your travel.
- Weight of Ashes: Cremated remains typically weigh between 4 to 8 pounds (1.8 to 3.6 kilograms) for adults, depending on body weight.
- Urn Size: The urn should be at least 180 to 220 cubic inches for an adult’s ashes. A typical urn measures about 9 to 12 inches in height and 6 to 9 inches in diameter.
Make sure the urn fits within the dimensions allowed for carry-on luggage, especially if it will be placed under the seat or in the overhead bin.
By following these guidelines and understanding the airline-specific requirements, you can ensure that transporting cremated remains between the U.S. and Canada is a respectful and seamless process. With the right preparation, you’ll minimize the chance of delays and ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
