Alaska Airlines Cremated Remains (2024)

FAQs

Can I bring cremated remains on Alaska Airlines? ›

Optionally, customers on Alaska Airlines passenger flights may bring cremated human remains on board as carry-on or checked baggage.

The certificate of cremation is required, and it is always a good idea to carry a copy of the certified death certificate when traveling. You will need a burial transit permit, and those taking out of country flights should contact customs in their final destination for specific regulations.

According to the TSA, ashes and cremated remains must travel through the X-ray machine just like all other baggage. If the machine or a TSA screener can't see what's in the urn, they won't let it on the plane. Select a TSA approved urn that can pass through an X-ray machine.

Southwest Cargo provides professional and reliable transportation for funeral homes and mortuary services. We're committed to transporting your client's loved ones with the utmost care and respect.

When traveling by plane, airlines have standardized pricing for luggage depending on type and weight. Cremated remains are not subject to additional costs, so pricing depends on luggage costs (calculated by weight and volume) by the airline. In many cases, you can carry on ashes in a secure container for free.

Yes, you can carry memorial jewelry on a plane. The TSA has no restrictions on passengers wearing or traveling with memorial jewelry, even if it contains a small portion of ashes.

Crematory remains in carry-on must pass through the X-ray machine to be screened. If the X-ray operator cannot clear the remains, TSA may apply other, non-intrusive means of resolving the alarm. If the officer cannot determine that the container does not contain a prohibited item, the remains will not be permitted.

The urn should be made of non-metallic, scannable material that can easily be X-rayed during security checks. Some of the recommended materials include wood, non-lead lined ceramics, plastic, biodegradable material like paper, and glass.

TSA-approved cremation urns must meet certain size and material requirements. Typically, urns must be smaller than 7.4 x 5.5 x 9.5 inches (or 18.8 x 14 x 24.1 centimeters) to qualify for carry-on baggage. This size limitation ensures that the urns can fit within the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.

Ashes may be transported in carry on bags or checked bags. TSA allows passengers to transport cremated ashes in carry-on bags and in checked baggage.

Can you scatter ashes in the ocean? ›

Spreading Ashes at Sea Is Allowed

Any type of remains, including ashes, can only be placed in the ocean 3 nautical miles from land or more. Ashes can be scattered from a boat or airplane. Only biodegradable urns may be used. Anything placed in the water must easily decompose in a marine environment.

Put the urn or other container inside another holder of some kind to keep the urn steady on the road. You can use a carry-on case like you would use if going on a short plane trip. Put the case inside, place it in your trunk or backseat, and hit the road. Flying with an urn is more complicated than driving with an urn.

When you travel with cremated remains, they'll be treated as your carry-on bag. No special documentation is needed if you're traveling domestically, but please contact a local consulate or burial advisor if you're traveling internationally since the rules vary.

Cremated Remains

A death or cremation certificate is required. If you'd like to carry them on with you, they must pass through the x-ray machine. If the container is metal and prevents the screener from clearly being able to see what's inside, it will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.

It is a common misconception that toilet waste from commercial aircraft falls out of the aircraft in flight; this is not the case. Modern airplane toilets are designed with a closed and sealed waste containment system to ensure that waste is securely stored until it can be properly emptied on the ground.

The body may not be buried or cremated until the death certificate is filed. (Alaska Statutes § 18.50. 230(a).) Typically, the funeral home, mortuary, cremation organization, or other person in charge of the deceased person's remains will prepare and file the death certificate.

When you travel with cremated remains, they'll be treated as your carry-on bag. No special documentation is needed if you're traveling domestically, but please contact a local consulate or burial advisor if you're traveling internationally since the rules vary.

You will need a primary inner sift-proof container, cushioning material, and an outer shipping package. Note: A sift-proof container is any vessel that does not allow loose powder to leak or sift out. There are many options available to store cremated remains — from simple wooden boxes to decorative urns.