Transporting Cremation Ashes

[bradfel]

Can anyone relay experiences transporting ashes from the cremation of a family member back to the U.S.?

[JayBearII]

No, but I did it recently in the other direction--US to Mexico--and it was no problem. I carried the death certificate and put the wood box with the ashes in a carryon which fit in the overhead compartment. The funeral director told me not to call the airline in advance as they would just fuss and it was better to just "do it." The wood box had to be inspected by customs entering Mexico and since it could not be Xrayed (the box is metal-lined), they had a special device that tests for trace chemicals on the outside to make sure I did not have a bomb in there. The officials were extra nice about this and explained what they were doing and why and pulled me aside so I did not have to stand in the middle of the customs area having this done. I was very pleased with the treatment all the way. Apparently traveling with ashes is not a rare event and they are prepared AND prepared to be nice.

[BarbaraJo]

I flew to Oregon in 2010 with my husband's ashes. No problem at all with Alaska Airlines. They scanned the Urn and I brought them on my carry on luggage. Everyone was very nice.