Adhere to the TSA Guidelines When Travelling with Cremation Urns

Life can take you through a number of twists and turns that you might not have even imagined. One such emotionally disturbing situation is purchasing cremation urn for a person who you loved more than anything in this world. Circumstances can get even tougher, when you have to travel by air with the same. It’s not only heart-breaking, but you also need to follow some guidelines specified by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Otherwise, you might be even restricted to carry a cremation container along with you. So, it’s better to follow those rules and take a peaceful journey, especially when you need some personal space sans any trouble.

What the TSA says?

In the year 2004, the TSA has put a rule into action which allows transporting Cremation urns as carry-on baggage. For this, an urn must pass through the scanner (X-Ray Machine) installed at the check point(s) successfully. Many containers produce an unclear and opaque image while passing through the scanner. Those types of urns are not permitted by the security in-charge at an airport. Also, no security professional can open an urn, no matter what. So, what to do? In order to eliminate all kinds of discrepancies, the TSA recommends you to buy a temporary urn that’s made up of plastic, wood or non-lead ceramic while travelling with your loved one’s cremated remains.

What if don’t want to carry the cremains in a temporary urn?

Although carrying the cremated remains in a temporary urn is recommended, it is not mandatory. You can always carry the remains in a ‘Security - Friendly’ permanent container made up of light-weight and scannable materials. However, it would be wise if you go with the TSA’s recommendation. You can always buy a permanent product or Jewelry For Ashes, once you have reached your destination. It will save you from undergoing hassles unnecessarily.

Will funeral home’s documents help you carry non-scanable cremation container?

Well, a large number of people who intend to travel with the cremated remains of their relatives ask this question. The answer is ‘No’, not even the documents provided by a funeral home can allow you carry a cremation container on flight that does not fit the directives of the TSA. So, it’ better to be on the safe-side and not indulged in a tussle with the airport authorities, as you might miss your flight, as well.

What if you are not comfortable travelling with the remains?

It might happen that you don’t want to travel with the cremated remains of your loved one for whichever reason. In that case, you can ship the container with ashes to the desired destination via US Postal Service. However, it should be done only via registered mail. Moreover, with the return receipt requested. Another important thing in this context is proper packaging. In order to know more about the same you can check out the official website of the postal service provider. There you can get answers to all your questions without having to wonder.

Matters related to cremation are very sensitive. Make sure to handle them tactfully.