Tips and Suggestions for Traveling with Cremated Remains on an Airplane

Cremation services in Boones Mill, VA, are a thoughtful and honorable way to honor your loved one. In some cases, the remains may need to be transported to a destination location for burial or scattering. So, this article will discuss the process more in-depth to help give you some tips and considerations if you're going to be traveling by air. 

Domestic Travel 

In most cases, airlines will let you travel with the cremated remains, but it's essential to check with them before scheduling. Because this is sensitive material to transport, it will have to be determined whether the remains will be transported as checked luggage, a carry-on option, or as air cargo. 

You will want to check with the airline's website and search for the words "cremated remains" to see if there are any specific policies or regulations that the airline follows. It's also essential to ensure that you do this at least a week in advance because some airlines will need to give notice to get the appropriate information and paperwork filed. 

The TSA is also another area that you need to check because they have their specific requirements around the vessel the remains are being transported in. The urn will need to be scanned, and if they come back with an opaque image, they will not let the container through security. One way to help prevent this is to make sure you are traveling with an urn made for materials such as cardboard, fiberboard, cloth, plastic, and even some wood because these can all be scanned more easily. 

In addition to all of this, you also want to make sure that you attach any critical documentation to the urn. Specific information needed can include the cremation and death certificate and any other funeral-related items. 

It can also be helpful to check with a local funeral director based in the destination location because they can help offer you insight into any specific local regulations that need to be considered. 

International 

Traveling internationally can be one of the more complex parts of the process, so we recommend calling the local embassy for the country you are traveling to. Each country can have different requirements, so you want to ask about any specific policies they have. In addition, it is also recommended to make sure that you either speak to someone on the phone or via email because websites may not be reliable, and policies can change quickly. 

We Offer Exceptional Services and Care 

Traveling with cremated remains doesn't have to be complicated if you take the proper steps in advance. Getting the right information can help you get through security more efficiently and prevent difficulties that may otherwise cause problems with the trip. 

If you require cremation services in Boones Mill, VA, due to a loss, we are a locally owned company that is here to offer compassionate care and exceptional services. We offer a variety of options, including cremation and pre-planning, so give us a call today to schedule your appointment.