How Transport Cremated Remains Legally & Safely

Whether you're flying or sending your loved one's ashes in the mail, transporting cremated remains involves legal, domestic, and international considerations.

In this guide, we'll outline the legal documents you need, domestic and international transport methods, and guidelines for shipping and flying with ashes.

Update March 1st 2025 : The only recognized way to send ashes (regardless of quantity) is with a Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains Box.

Using the Priority Mail Express service also allows you to track the package through the USPS website, ensuring that you can monitor its progress and confirm its safe arrival. This added layer of security helps to alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty during a difficult time.

Most airlines allow cremated remains to be transported, but specific rules and TSA requirements must be followed.

TSA Regulations and Guidelines

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules for flying with cremated remains, with the primary concern being smooth passage through security. The container used for transporting ashes must be scannable by airport security equipment and is usually verified by a cremation certificate. Temporary containers, such as TSA-approved travel urns, often come with additional protective features to secure ashes during travel.

Our Recommendation

Arrive at the airport or post office ahead of time to allow for any unforeseen delays relating to compliance with security regulations. Planning ahead and understanding TSA requirements helps avoid complications, ensuring a smooth journey for your loved one’s ashes.

Always call the airline before organizing any flight with your loved one's remains in order get the most up to date information about their policy.

Different airlines have varying policies regarding the transport of cremated remains. Some airlines may prohibit transporting ashes in checked luggage, emphasizing the need to verify individual airline rules. Choosing to carry cremated remains as carry-on luggage often provides more direct control over the remains during travel.

• Alaska Airlines may require a death certificate, especially if ashes are being shipped as cargo.

• American Airlines provides TLC specialists—people who work directly with funeral homes—to help you prepare for your flight and proceed through security.

• Delta Airlines  allows you to transport ashes in either carry-on or checked luggage; a certificate of cremation or death certificate is required.

• Frontier Airlines requires checked urns to be sufficiently packaged in a well-insulated and sturdy container.

• JetBlue allows an urn only as a carry-on item, though it is not counted against the number of carry-ons. The urn must be stowed under a seat or in an overhead bin. You must provide a copy of the death certificate and a certified document from the crematory that performed the cremation.

• Southwest Airlines recommends a temporary plastic or cardboard container for ashes to be carried onto a plane.

• Spirit Airlines allows urns to be either carried on or checked.

• United Airlines requires a death certificate or cremation certificate before you can fly with an urn.

Transporting cremated remains internationally involves additional complexities and documentation requirements. The necessary documentation can vary significantly based on the destination and method of transport.

Contacting the Embassy

Contacting the embassy of the destination country is crucial to ensure all paperwork and legal requirements are met for transporting cremated remains. For some countries, such as Germany, involvement of a licensed cemetery and funeral director may be necessary.

Contacting the embassy provides the necessary forms and information to comply with the destination country’s regulations. This step is essential for a smooth and respectful international transport of cremated remains.

Required Documentation

A death certificate is pivotal for settling legal matters and accessing benefits associated with the deceased. When transporting cremated remains internationally, you may need a letter from the health department confirming there is no risk of contagious disease. Required forms for international transport of cremated remains can typically be obtained from the embassy of the destination country.