Shipping Cremated Ashes

When a loved one passes away and is cremated, one of the concerns you might have is how to get the cremains back to where they're supposed to be. That could be the person's home town, the location of another family member, or somewhere else entirely. Families might choose to transport the ashes personally, such as by driving them to their destination. They might also decide to keep them, instead of shipping or transporting them, so they can be scattered or buried.

The most important thing to consider if the ashes need to be shipped or transported is the best way to do that. There are two parts to that issue, which are protecting the ashes and not violating any rules about shipping cremated remains. Here's what to consider when using the airlines, and also what to think about if you decide to use a shipping carrier instead.

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) allows cremated remains through their checkpoints at all airports. However, it's important to remember that there are still specific rules about being able to see what's in your luggage. If you try to take ashes through security in something they can't x-ray, for example, you may not be allowed to take the ashes onto the plane. Because rules can change over time, always check the TSA website before flying with cremated remains.

Carry-on vs. Checked Baggage

Both carry-on and checked baggage are acceptable locations for cremains according to the TSA. However, your airline may feel differently. That's why it's important to also know their policy before booking your ticket, so you can either choose a different carrier or make arrangements to carry the ashes in a way that follows airline policy.

Packaging Requirements for Cremated Remains

Cremated remains should be packaged securely, ideally in a lightweight container that's also durable. That's especially important if you're putting the ashes into your checked baggage, as it's often handled more aggressively than your carry-on baggage. If you want to reduce the risk of loss or damage, taking the remains with you in your carry-on luggage can be the right choice.

Airline Policies on Transporting Ashes

Every airline is different, and you want to be sure you understand the specific requirements your carrier has before you try to bring cremains onto your flight. While there are conflicting opinions about whether ashes actually need to be declared when flying, it's always better to err on the side of caution to avoid any problems.

Common Airline Documentation Requirements

The most common airline requirement for traveling with cremains is a death certificate. You may also want to get a disposition permit from the funeral home or crematory that handled your loved one's remains, but this isn't necessarily required for every airline. It's just often easier to have more documentation than you need, as opposed to not enough.

JetBlue Airways' Unique Policy on Cremated Remains

JetBlue is one of the more particular airlines, and you'll need both a death certificate and certified document or letter from the crematorium or funeral director to bring ashes onboard their aircraft. They also require that the ashes are only transported in an urn and they must be part of your carry-on luggage. The urn has to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, like other carry-on items.

Key Takeaway

If you plan to fly with cremains, make sure you follow TSA guidelines and the requirements of your airline. There are pros and cons to every carrier and the ways you decide to transport ashes. Make sure you know the airline's rules and choose a container that meets their guidelines. Additionally, the container should be something that TSA can x-ray, or you might not be allowed to take the ashes onto your flight.

Shipping Cremated Ashes Instead of Air Travel

If you aren't flying with the cremated remains or you want to ship them instead, that's another possibility. To make sure the ashes reach their destination properly, you'll need to choose the right carrier and packaging. That reduces the chances of problems and helps you have more peace of mind when you release the ashes to the carrier for transport.

Choosing a Reliable Shipping Carrier

The first thing to do when you're going to ship cremains is to understand that your options are limited. While USPS, UPS, and FedEx, as well as other carriers, all offer shipment of many different products and items, they don't all allow cremated remains. In fact both UPS and FedEx, along with other carriers such as DHL, won't knowingly transport cremains at all.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only carrier you can use to legally ship ashes, and they offer a convenient guide to shipping cremains that can help you make sure you're following their shipping rules. Ashes have to be shipped Priority Mail Express, and are marked as cremated remains so they can be transported and handled with care and respect.

Packing Tips for Safely Shipping Urns

To safely ship an urn, make sure to follow the guidelines the USPS provides. They offer details about the size of the box relative to the urn, how to pack it appropriately, and what to consider when you're getting it ready for shipment. When you pack the urn carefully you can have confidence that it will arrive at its destination undamaged.

Key Takeaway

The USPS is the only carrier that will ship cremains, and you want to make sure you follow the guidelines provided to package the urn and send it to its destination. Carriers like FedEx and UPS will not knowingly transport ashes or other types of remains, so your options for shipping are limited.

Selecting an Appropriate Urn for Shipping or Air Travel

Whether you're shipping cremains via USPS or you're boarding a plane and carrying them with you, the right urn matters. You want to have something that's going to be durable and solid to protect the ashes of your loved one, but you also don't want to choose anything that's too heavy and cumbersome. If you're flying you also have to make sure the urn you choose is of a material that can be x-rayed properly, as well.

Material Considerations

Most urns are metal or wood, and these can be beautiful representations of what mattered to your loved one. For transport, however, you may want to consider heavy cardboard or plastic, because these materials are both durable and lightweight. Some of your decision will depend on whether the plan is to keep the ashes in an urn long-term, or whether they're going to be scattered or buried, instead.

Size & Weight Limitations Imposed by Airlines

Airlines typically have size and weight limitations for urns, simply because they have these limits for anything that you're bringing with you on the plane. That's especially true for carry-on items, since they have to fit either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.

If you have an urn that won't fit in either of these places you may not be allowed to carry it onto the airline. Shipping it could be the right answer in that case, but also consider that size and weight increase shipping costs.

Need more guidance on choosing the perfect urn to protect your loved one's ashes? Browse through In The Light Urns' extensive collection here.

Key Takeaway

For shipping or air travel, choose an urn or other container that's strong and durable, but that doesn't weigh a lot. Plastic or even cardboard can be used for this purpose, but you can also select a high-quality urn in metal, wood, or a 3D-printed material to store and protect your loved-one's ashes, as well.

Preparing Yourself Emotionally During Transit

When you're traveling with a loved one's ashes there's more than just physical requirements and specifics to consider. Yes, the logistics matter, but they're definitely not the only thing to think about. You also want to take the time to emotionally prepare yourself for the journey.

Dealing with Airport Security

Airport security personnel are generally in a big hurry and not overly focused on the emotional well-being of the passengers they're processing. There's such a large volume of people coming through their lines every day, and efficiency is a vital part of the process. However, when you tell the TSA agent that you're traveling with cremains they'll treat the ashes with respect and get you through the checkpoint. Just be aware that they may ask for paperwork or additional screening.

Handling Inquisitive Fellow Passengers

Fellow passengers may also have questions if they see you traveling with an urn, or they may be uncomfortable if they're sitting next to you. It can be hard to see that reaction when you're already grieving, but try not to take it personally. Let a flight attendant know if someone is bothering you or asking too many questions, or if there's a passenger that's creating an issue over the urn you're transporting. You have the right to fly in peace and with dignity and respect for your lost loved one.

Key Takeaway

People can sometimes be inquisitive or uncomfortable around cremains, and airport security may not have your emotional well-being at the top of their mind. While that's not always easy to handle, being aware of those possibilities can make getting through the process of flying with your loved one's ashes a little easier.

Keeping a Memory of the Deceased with You

Along with the transport of cremation ashes, you may want some different ways of keeping your loved one close to you on the rest of your journeys through life. You can do that through all the great memories you've shared, small items they've left behind, and options such as personalized memorial items and cremation jewelry.

Cremation Jewelry Options

The most common type of cremation jewelry is a necklace, but there are also rings and bracelets. You can choose from different types of metals as well as wood and glass when you're looking at pendant options, and from gold or other metal when selecting a bracelet or a ring. Whether you want something with a name or other inscription or you'd like a picture of your lost loved one, there are options. You can also get a particular shape or object to remember them with, as well.

Personalized Memorial Items

Along with cremation jewelry, In The Light Urns offers keepsakes and funeral sympathy gifts that can make excellent personalized memorial options. These give you more choices to consider, so you can find just the right way to memorialize and honor someone you love. Even though they're gone from your sight, the right memorial items can help you keep them close to your heart forever.

Key Takeaway

Jewelry and other memorial items are excellent ways to keep the memory of a lost loved one with you wherever you go, long after the transport of their ashes has been handled and their cremains have reached their destination.

FAQs About Transporting Cremated Ashes

How Do I Transport Cremated Ashes?

You can transport cremation ashes by driving them to their destination, flying with them, or shipping them.

What's Involved in Choosing an Urn?

You want to get the right size, and also consider the material, shape, durability, overall look, and best way to memorialize your loved one. In The Light Urns can help.

What Documentation Do I Need?

Most airlines ask for a death certificate and some also want documentation from the funeral director or crematorium. Shipping doesn't require any documentation.

Can I Fly With Cremated Ashes?

Yes, in most cases. But make sure you understand and follow the airline's specific guidelines, along with any additional screening required by the TSA.

Is It Difficult to Ship Cremated Ashes?

No, but the only way to do so is through the USPS. No other carriers will ship ashes, and you want to make sure you pack them in a sturdy container for shipment.

Being Prepared Makes a Difficult Time Easier

Losing a loved one is never easy, and if you have to travel with their ashes or ship them to another destination you want to make sure you're doing that as conveniently and efficiently as possible. That includes protecting the ashes and treating them with respect, but also choosing the right way to transport them. Selecting a quality urn, understanding requirements for shipping or air travel, and making sure you have the proper paperwork are all good ways to move through a difficult process a little more easily, so you can focus on healing.