How to Pass Airport Security with Cremated Ashes

Passengers are allowed to carry a cremation urn as part of their carry-on luggage, but the container must pass through the X-ray machine. If the urn is made of a material that generates an opaque image and prevents the Transportation Security Officer from clearly being able to see what is inside, then the cremation urn will be allowed through the security checkpoint. Some of the most popular metal styles will not pass security.

Out of respect to the deceased and their family and friends, under no circumstances will an officer open the container even if the passenger requests this be done. Documentation from the funeral home is not sufficient to carry an urn for ashes through security and onto a plane without screening.

You may transport the urn as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. We will screen the cremation urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only.

 

boxes for cremation

Some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage so please check with your air carrier before attempting to transport a memorial urn in checked baggage.

Crematory Urn Materials: Cremation urns are made from many different types of materials, all with varying thickness. TSA cannot state for certain whether your particular funeral urn can successfully pass through an x-ray machine. However, TSA suggests that you purchase a cremation urn made of a lighter weight material such as a biodegradable, wood, or plastic urn that can be successfully x-rayed. The TSA will continue to work with funeral home associations to provide additional guidance in the future.

- Please check with your air carrier about other restrictions that may apply.

Published by the TSA - Transportation Security Administration- 866-289-9673