traveling with ashes

[maverick]

so, my grandmother passed away earlier this year (actually, while i was in india in february). we have a tradition of cremating our loved ones after they pass and then spreading the ashes in a river.

my grandmother wanted her ashes spread in a river in india. we did the same thing when my mother passed away, as well as when my grandfather passed away.

somewhat to my surprise, you need to have a cremation certificate to travel with the ashes. but the funeral home provides that, so it isn't a concern - just a surprise. they also provide the ashes in a container that can be taken through airport security. so i expect that everything should go smoothly.

i'm planning on traveling in my western flyer, which is a little smaller than the aeronaut i normally travel with. it will accommodate everything else i am carrying, but i think i'm going to carry the ashes in my small cafe bag.

i was curious if anyone has traveled, specially across international boundaries, with the ashes of a loved one who has passed away and if they could share any insight.

thanks!

[jannilee]

I travelled with my dad's ashes and they wanted a copy of the death certificate as wellvas the cremation certificate. They let me go with only the cremation certificate because I wasvwilling to have the ashes scanned. This was in Canada can't talk about elsewhere.

[maverick]

I travelled with my dad's ashes and they wanted a copy of the death certificate as well as the cremation certificate. They let me go with only the cremation certificate because I was willing to have the ashes scanned. This was in Canada can't talk about elsewhere.

thank you jannilee.

i hadn't thought about carrying the death certificate - but i have it and can bring that along as well.

[backpack]

So sorry Maverick, our thoughts are with you.

[Frank II]

Are you talking about bringing the ashes into the U.S.? If so, the TSA has a page about it:

TSA: Transporting the Deceased

[dorayme]

maverick, I am sorry for your loss, may your final journey with your grandmother be a peaceful one. It is so special that you are able to do this act of love for her.

[Moose]

Maverick, I'm sorry you lost your grandmother. Its never easy. I flew with my dad's ashes. I had the cremation certificate and his death certificate with me. Security was not excited but when I told them I'd be happy to open the box for them they decided scanning was sufficient. You might check with your airline(s) and see if they are aware of any restrictions in the various countries you'll be visiting.
Take care,
Moose

[maverick]

thanks folks! i'm traveling from the u.s. to india via the uk. i checked with british airways, and i shouldn't have any problems.

now to pack...

[ncb4]

Though I know your grandmother died last February, I imagine that taking her ashes back to India re-awakens your sense of loss and sorrow. Words aren't much in a situation like this, but please accept my deepest sympathy. And I hope that you are meeting family in India to scatter her ashes, and together you will share many joyful memories of her as well. Safe journey!

[maverick]

Though I know your grandmother died last February, I imagine that taking her ashes back to India re-awakens your sense of loss and sorrow. Words aren't much in a situation like this, but please accept my deepest sympathy. And I hope that you are meeting family in India to scatter her ashes, and together you will share many joyful memories of her as well. Safe journey!

thank you!

[Lani]

Maverick -- I'm sorry for your loss. This information is helpful for me as well. My father has already been gone for three years, but my mother's wishes when she passes on is to have her ashes scattered with his in Hawaii, so I will be needing this information when the time comes (hopefully not anytime soon; mom is currently in great health).

[Jenne]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I had no idea it was so involved!