Traveling with Cremation Ashes in an Urn

If a deceased relative is scheduled to be cremated in a town or country far from where you call home, you might opt to travel to the location if only to attend the memorial. But what do you do if you want to take home some or all of the cremated ashes afterwards? It’s important to understand some of the policies for traveling with ashes after a Chaska, MN cremation. 

What follows therefore are some tips for how to travel with cremation ashes via plane without hassles. 

Can You Carry Urn on Plane? 

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you can carry the cremated remains of a loved one in an urn either in your carry-on bags or in your checked bags. Even so, it's important to know that some airlines prohibit cremated remains in unchecked luggage. This means that you should consult with your airline of preference to enquire so that you can avoid any problems or inconvenience at the airport. If you figure out the particulars ahead of time, you can choose an airline that will accommodate your need to transport cremation remains. 

What Sort of Urn Should You Choose? 

In order to prevent any hassles during the airport screening stage, the TSA recommends that you buy a cremation container -- either a temporary one or a permanent one -- that is constructed out of wood, plastic or some other type of lighter material. This will make it easier to scan, which will make the process problem-free and stress-free for you. If the container you select is constructed from a material that generates an image that is opaque, the TSA officer that you deal with at the airport might have trouble figuring out what is inside of the cremation container. This could result in your being unable to bring your cremation container with your. 

Can a TSA Agent Check What’s in Your Urn? 

A TSA agent is not permitted to check what's inside of your crematory container -- out of respect to you. In fact, a TSA agent cannot check the contents of the container even if you give permission for him or her to do so. While this means that your privacy is respected during this process, it also means that there will be little if any recourse if the container you choose can’t be effectively scanned. 

If you will need to transport cremation ashes via plane, there are definitely things you need to keep in mind to avoid disappointment. The aforementioned tips will help, and we at Scott County Cremation can help with any other questions you have about the issue. You can reach us at (952) 402-9000 when you’re ready to discuss cremation in Chaska, MN. You can also speak to someone in person and check out our facility at 833 Marschall Rd Shakopee, MN 55379. Take advantage of our free consultation offer and learn why we’re your best option for direct cremation in and around the area. We’re here to serve when you need us.