Many people get afraid of the fact that they might be prevented from carrying their pets’ ashes on airplanes. There are also many myths about this. But this is nothing but a pure misconception that you are not allowed to carry pets’ ashes on the plane.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits travelers to take cremated ashes in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s worth noting, though, that some airlines don’t allow cremated ashes to be checked. Before booking a flight, inquire about the airline’s policies and procedures for traveling with cremated remains.
Families and pet lovers frequently choose to bury their pets’ ashes. Many people do this in their backyards, at pet cemeteries, or in particular places. There are several buried cat and dog cremation urns available that can provide your pet with a dignified burial.
In order to bury the ashes of your pet in a place special to you, you might need to carry the ashes to that place. Hence many people often need to carry their pets’ ashes on planes or any other means of transportation.
While talking about planes, you need to know and take care of certain things before transporting cremains on planes.
Know The TSA Guidelines
Cremains are allowed to be transported in checked luggage bags, though carry-on bags are generally preferred. As they make their way to and from the plane, checked luggage is subjected to rapid and occasionally harsh movement along with a network of conveyor belts. Checked luggage is only in TSA’s hands for a portion of their route to the plane.
The Transportation Security Administration has a well-defined procedure for screening crematory remnants. Their officers undertake these types of screenings on a regular basis at airports across the country.
Crematory remains in carry-on must be screened using an X-ray machine. TSA may use alternative, non-intrusive methods to resolve the warning if the X-ray operator is unable to clear the remains. The remainder will not be allowed if the officer cannot confirm that the container does not contain a prohibited item.
Crematory ashes are only one of several sensitive materials that could be used to hide a deadly substance. That’s why the TSA imposed certain guidelines on this matter. But if the TSA agents are convinced that you are not carrying any harmful material, they will happily allow crematory remains.
Know The Airlines Guidelines
Although most major airlines allow cremated remains to be transported, some have extra requirements that go beyond the TSA’s standard guidelines. It’s critical to double-check your airline’s policies.
Airlines like Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines – all allow carrying pets’ ashes while traveling.
American Airlines
American Airlines, the country’s largest airline, enables cremated remains to be transported. They do, however, ask that you follow a set of rules. TLC specialists are also on hand to assist funeral directors if needed.
Delta Air Lines
For air travel, either a death certificate or a cremation certificate is required. If cremated remains will travel unaccompanied, they can be carried on, checked, or even shipped as cargo.
Southwest Airlines
It is suggested that ashes for carry-on be placed in a temporary plastic or cardboard receptacle.
United Airlines
Cremated remains can be transported using United Airlines’ QuickPak service. To use this service, you must make a reservation with their TrustUA dedicated handling desk.
Frontier Airlines
They also permit cremated remains, but the container must be made of a material that can be successfully screened by the Transportation Security Administration, such as wood or plastic (TSA).
Alaska Airlines
A death certificate or a burial transit permit, among other minimum standards, will be required for remains going as cargo.
It’s a good idea to verify your airline’s policy at least seven days before flying because some airlines need advance notice if you plan to bring remains in a carry-on.
Recommended Urns To Consider
There are various TSA-approved urns on the market that allow TSA agents to x-ray the interior contents. This includes biodegradable urns constructed of bamboo, wood, paper, and plant materials (TSA compliant urns include The Living Urn’s bio urn, Eco Water Urn, and Eco Dispersing Urns for scattering ashes, and the Eco Burial Urn).
TSA-compliant plastic urns are also available. Urns composed of metal or stone should be avoided at all costs. If you prefer a metal or stone urn (or another non-TSA compliant urn), you can simply use a TSA compliant urn for the travel and transfer the ashes to another urn once you arrive.
Get The Documentations
TSA and some other airlines prefer having a confirmation of its death. You can get a death certificate from any vet and carry it along with the ashes. It could come in helpful if TSA screeners or airline workers have any inquiries about flying with ashes. Local laws may also require this documentation at your location.
Check Your Urn
Choosing an urn that is clearly labeled as fulfilling TSA criteria is one of the simplest ways to ensure that your cremation urn will pass through the security checkpoint. Many biodegradable urns, for example, include a label that says “flight ready.” To discover more about which urns are permitted for air travel, call our friendly customer service team at 1-800-979-8767.
Give It Time
While it’s usually a good idea to arrive early at the airport to allow for long lines and unexpected delays, it’s much more critical to allow extra time for security when flying with cremated remains. Not only will TSA personnel need to inspect and verify papers at many checkpoints before allowing you to board your aircraft, but your urn may also be denied security clearance.
Arriving early will allow you to make alternate transportation arrangements for the ashes without having to cancel your flight if it does not meet TSA requirements and you cannot take it on your flight.
Hence, it is better to take some extra time in your hands to go through the security check process. Depart early from home and arrive early at the airport to rest assured that you do not miss the flight.
Conclusion
We understand that pets are as dear as humans to many people. And our emotions are often associated more deeply with our dear pets.
We hope that as a general guideline for flying with ashes, you found this information to be useful and helpful. Remember that this will be an emotional flight, so good on you for doing your homework ahead of time.
Keep in mind that if you have any further questions, you can contact TSA Customer Service or Ask TSA via Twitter or Facebook Messenger.