Air Travel & Cremated Remains

Air Travel & Cremated Remains

Some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage, so please check with your airline to learn more about possible restrictions.

Under no circumstances will a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) open a crematory container. To facilitate screening, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) suggests that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material, such as wood or plastic. If the container is made of a material that generates an opaque image, the TSO will not be able to clearly determine what is inside the container and the container will not be permitted.

Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

TSA guidelines on traveling with cremated remains

Cremation Association of North America (CANA) guidelines on transport of cremated remains