Flying with human ashes - what the airlines say

Documentation required

To transport ashes on a plane from the UK, you could need:

1. Death Certificate: Proof of the deceased’s identity and passing.
2. Cremation Certificate: Confirmation that the remains are cremated.
3. Permission from the Airline: Many airlines require prior notification and approval.

It’s advisable to carry these documents in your hand luggage for easy access during security checks.

Packing the ashes

Individual airlines will have their own rules for transporting ashes, but most will demand they are in a sealed, non-metallic container, allowing security scanners to inspect the contents without opening the urn. Non-metallic materials like wood or plastic are preferred to ensure the container can pass through X-ray machines.

Airline policies

Most airlines permit the transportation of ashes in hand luggage but require passengers to inform them in advance. Policies vary, so take a look at the list below for individual requirements - it may also be best to contact the airline before you travel to confirm their policy has not changed.

Security and customs

At security checkpoints, inform staff that you’re carrying ashes. While respectful handling is expected, you may be asked to show the container and documents.

If you’re traveling internationally, check the customs regulations of your destination country. Some countries have additional requirements or restrictions on importing human ashes.

Practical tips

• Arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for security checks.
• Consider purchasing a protective travel urn to ensure safe transportation.

By following these steps and preparing in advance, you can respectfully and legally carry human ashes on a plane from the UK, ensuring a dignified journey for your loved one’s remains.

What the airlines say about carrying ashes

Here is our airline-by-airline guide to if human ashes can be carried on their planes...

Aer Lingus         

Aer Lingus allow our customers to carry human ashes that are contained in an urn as either checked or hand baggage. The undertaker or funeral director who has supplied the ashes, must ensure the urn is secured in a padded leak proof container that is not made of metal, because it will be put through an x-ray machine. Additionally, the holder must be in possession of a death certificate and cremation certificate to be allowed carry ashes on board.

Air Canada        

Cremated remains may be carried on board in hand luggage, provided they are stored in a cardboard or wooden box or an urn made of a material that can be security screened and not made of metal. The urn or box must be secure to avoid any spillage. A certificate of cremation or death certificate is not required for the carriage of ashes by Air Canada, but international travellers should check requirements in the country of departure or arrival.            

Air New Zealand             

For passengers carrying human ashes, the airline will require a certificate of Death, certificate of Cremation. It will also require a statement from the crematorium or funeral director that ashes only are contained in the urn. It must also be made of non-metallic material to ensure it can be screen.  

American Airlines           

American Airlines, says when you travel with cremated remains, they’ll be treated as your carry-on bag. Not documentation is needed for domestic US flights, but international travel with American Airlines will need a death certificate and cremation certificate. The urn must also be made of a non-metal material that can be put through an x-ray machine.           

British Airways 

Passengers can take cremated remains (ashes) onto flights in either hand baggage or checked baggage. There is no need to advise the airline in advance, but you will need to carry a Certificate of Death, or other country-specific equivalent. The remains must be in a tightly sealed container and strong outer container if being taken as hand luggage. All containers must be made of material that can be scanned, or the ashes will not be allowed on the aircraft.

easyJet

You can take human or pet ashes with you in your cabin bag, but you must have a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the cremation certificate. The ashes must be securely packed in an appropriate container. You should also let security staff at the airport know that you’re carrying ashes when passing through the security area.

Jet2      

Ashes are permitted, but can only be carried with prior approval from Jet2.com. The ashes must be contained in a suitable container – that can be screened by security - and must be carried as hand baggage. Passengers carrying the ashes will also need to comply with the production of relevant certificates required by the country of departure and arrival.      

Ryanair

Passengers can carry human ashes on the plane with them - along with one piece of carry-on baggage. The bearer must have a copy of the death certificate and the cremation certificate with them. The ashes must be securely packaged in a suitable container with a screw top lid and protected from being broken.       

TUI       

Passenger can take ashes on a TUI flight, but they will need to carry them throughout the entire flight on their lap. The bearer will need to show the death certificate at check-in and customs. Travellers wishing to carry ashes will need to alert TUI ahead of travel, so a note can be added to their booking. Call 0203 451 2688. Calls from UK landlines cost the standard rate, but calls from mobiles may be higher. Check with your network provider.         

Virgin Atlantic   

Virgin Atlantic will permit passengers to travel with human remains – providing they have the relevant death certificate. The ashes must be kept in a secure and sturdy container made out of a material that can be scanned by airport security.              

Wizz Air             

Ashes can be carried on board a Wizz Air flight, as long as they are packed in a suitable container that will not leak. The death certificate and the cremation certificate must be shown at the airport. The airline also states that ashes can only be carried as cabin baggage      

How much does it cost to fly with ashes?

You should not be charged any additional fee to carry your loved one's ashes.