It is perfectly legal to travel with cremated remains, but there are a few things you should know about the process.

Can I take cremated remains on a plane?

Yes. You can typically take cremated remains with you as a carry-on item or check them in checked baggage. Different airlines may have different standards on how the remains should be packed so make sure to contact your airline first and ask. Requirements may be things such as type of urn material required, package size or specific labels that must be on the outer box.

What documentation do I need to take with me to get through TSA?

TSA recommends having the following documentation:

• The cremation permit. This is an official document produced by the crematory and will be given to you with the cremated remains.
• A copy of the death certificate, even though it is not required.
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased such as a copy of the obituary or a birth certificate. This is also not required.

Also, keep in mind that the urn should be made of a material that can be easily x-rayed. TSA agents will usually not be able to open the urn to check the contents, out of respect for the remains, so it will need to be x-rayed. Travel urns are available for just such instances and are typically inexpensive.

Make sure to allow enough time to get through security. In the unlikely event that the urn doesn’t make it through the checkpoint the first time, you want to ensure you have enough time to make your flight.

If you are traveling internationally the requirements may be different and you should contact the destination country to find out what these are.

Can I mail cremated remains?

Yes, but only through USPS. Third-party courier services such as FedEx and UPS do not ship cremated remains. Cremated remains must be sent by Priority Mail Express and USPS has specific packaging requirements. You should declare the special contents when you print your shipping label and it is also advised to use label 139. This bright orange, free label indicates the package contains cremated remains to ensure your package is treated with the utmost care.

If you have any questions, you can always ask your funeral director who can help answer your questions or point you to the appropriate resources.