Transporting Cremated Remains on an Airplane

Transporting Special Items
Transporting Cremated Remains on an Airplane
Cremation Containers

You have two options for carrying a crematory container with you on your flights:

•Carry-on: You are allowed to carry-on a crematory container, but it must pass through the x-ray machine. If the container is made of a material that prevents the screener from clearly being able to see what is inside, then the container will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.


•Checked Baggage: You may transport the urn as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. TSA will screen the cremation urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only.


Please note the following additional information:

•Out of respect for the deceased, the screener may not open the container under any circumstance.


•Crematory Container Materials: Crematory containers are made from many different types of materials, all with varying thickness. At present, TSA cannot state for certain whether your particular crematory container can successfully pass through an x-ray machine. However, TSA suggests that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material such as wood or plastic that can be successfully x-rayed. The TSA will continue to work with funeral home associations to provide additional guidance in the future.

•Please check with your air carrier about other restrictions that may apply.


Reprinted from the TSA web site.