Traveling with Cremated Remains: The Definitive Guide [2025 Update]
The loss of a loved one is a profoundly emotional experience, and navigating airport security or travel logistics can add unnecessary stress during such a vulnerable time. As the founder of Ocean Ashes, a Florida-based ocean ash scattering service, I often assist families who need to transport cremated remains (cremains) for memorials in multiple locations, including by air or mail. Understanding the latest rules can help ease the process and prevent delays. This guide, updated for 2025, covers domestic and international travel, airline policies, TSA requirements, shipping options, ground transportation, and importation rules for entry into the U.S. Always verify details with your airline, carrier, or relevant authorities, as policies can change. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother journey while honoring your loved one with dignity.
Key Rules for Transporting Cremated Remains
Most major U.S. airlines permit the transport of cremated remains, either as carry-on, checked baggage, or cargo, but requirements vary. Here's what you need to know:
Visit your airline's website and search for "cremated remains" or "human remains" to review their specific policy. As of 2025, airlines like American, Delta, Southwest, and United maintain accommodating policies, but advance notice may be required for some.
Check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, which apply to all U.S. airports. Cremated remains are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, but some airlines may restrict checked transport—always confirm with your airline. Containers must be scannable; if they produce an opaque image during X-ray screening, they won't be permitted. TSA officers will not open the container out of respect for the deceased, even if requested.
Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for potential screening delays, even if you've complied with all rules.
Bring supporting documentation, such as a death certificate, cremation certificate, or funeral home paperwork. Attach copies to the container. While TSA doesn't mandate these for screening, many airlines do for boarding.
Consult a licensed funeral director at both your origin and destination to check for any local or state regulations that might apply.
If denied passage at security (e.g., due to an opaque container), have a backup plan like shipping the remains or using a temporary scannable container provided by the funeral home.
Always Make Sure To...
Avoid urns or containers made of materials that block X-rays, such as metal, stone, granite, or certain ceramics. These cannot be screened effectively and will be denied.
Opt for scannable materials like wood, plastic, cardboard, fiberboard, cloth, or transparent glass. We recommend TSA-approved wooden urns for their durability and elegance—many are available on Amazon at affordable prices.
Airline-Specific Rules for Transporting Cremated Remains
Policies differ by carrier, so confirm directly and allow extra time for document review at the airport. Here's a summary of major U.S. airlines' 2025 policies based on their official guidelines:
American Airlines: Cremated remains are treated as your carry-on bag (not checked for passenger travel). No special documentation is required for domestic flights, but international travel may need additional paperwork. For cargo shipments, cremated remains must be in a five-millimeter polyurethane bag within cardboard outer packaging. Treat it as fragile baggage.
Delta Air Lines: Allowed in carry-on or checked bags (standard checked bag fees apply). A death or cremation certificate is required. Containers should be scannable and treated as fragile items.
Southwest Airlines: Permitted as carry-on items only for passengers (similar to pet remains policies, which require screening at checkpoints and prohibit checked transport). For cargo, appropriate documentation like a signed certificate of death or burial permit is required. Human remains follow comparable rules—check their site for confirmation.
United Airlines: Handles cremated remains as fragile baggage. Allowed in carry-on or checked, but verify restrictions. Documentation like a cremation certificate may be needed. For cargo, dedicated services like TrustUA are available for monitoring.
For international flights, contact the U.S. Department of State or the destination country's embassy for customs rules, as some nations require permits or prohibit imports altogether. Airlines may also have stricter requirements for overseas travel.
Ground Transportation Options
If air travel isn't feasible, consider ground options for domestic transport:
Amtrak: Cremated remains are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage on most routes (checked service not available everywhere). They must be in a small, secure container stored within your baggage. No special documentation is typically required, but treat as fragile.
Bus Services (e.g., Greyhound): Policies vary and are not explicitly detailed for cremated remains. Generally, if packed securely in luggage, it may be allowed, but contact the carrier in advance to confirm. No federal restrictions apply to interstate driving with cremated remains, but ensure the container is secure and check state laws for any local rules.
Importation into the U.S.
If bringing cremated remains from abroad, follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements to prevent public health risks:
No CDC import permit is needed for fully cremated remains intended for burial, entombment, or cremation.
A death certificate (with English translation if needed) is required if a permit is necessary (e.g., for non-cremated remains or infectious disease cases).
Cremated remains are exempt from leak-proof container rules.
Notify U.S. consular officials for assistance with export from the foreign country and U.S. entry documents.
Contact the CDC Emergency Operations Center at 770-488-7100 or [email protected] for permits if required.
Always Consider Shipping Ahead
Shipping cremated remains can be a simpler alternative to flying, avoiding airport hassles altogether. However, it's typically more expensive, with costs starting around $80 or more depending on distance and service. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only carrier that accepts cremated remains for mailing, with strict 2025 updates:
Must be sent via Priority Mail Express service only (not Priority Mail or other methods).
As of March 1, 2025, you must use the official USPS Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains Box (BOX-CRE) or kits—custom packaging is no longer allowed. These free kits can be ordered from the USPS Store (store.usps.com) and include inner sift-proof containers, bubble wrap, and required labels.
Affix the "CREMATED REMAINS" label (Label 139) on the package, and follow Packaging Instruction 10C for secure, sift-proof inner packaging.
As of April 1, 2025, Priority Mail Express mailpieces containing cremated remains are excluded from the Hold for Pickup service, meaning they cannot be held at the destination facility for pickup and must be delivered as scheduled.
USPS allows domestic and some international shipping, but check destination country rules. Private carriers like FedEx and UPS do not accept cremated remains.
For detailed instructions, refer to USPS Publication 139: How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains.
Additional Tips and Resources
Pet Remains: Rules are similar to human remains, but confirm with your airline or carrier, as some treat them identically (e.g., Southwest).
Emotional Support: Traveling with remains can be overwhelming—consider grief counseling resources like the National Alliance for Grieving Children or airline assistance programs.
Alternatives: If travel is too challenging, opt for professional services to handle transport and ceremonies.
Remember to Scatter Some or All Ashes into the Ocean...
The ocean holds a powerful spiritual and physical connection for many, symbolizing eternity and freedom. Almost everyone shares a unique bond with the sea—whether from childhood vacations or lifelong adventures. By scattering ashes in the ocean, your loved one can travel the world's currents forever, becoming part of a vast, timeless paradise.
At Ocean Ashes, we specialize in eco-friendly ocean ash scatterings in Florida locations like St. Petersburg, Destin, Islamorada, and St. Augustine. Our services include fresh flowers, GPS certificates, photos, and personal captain-led ceremonies for a dignified tribute.
==> Click Here to Give the Gift of an Ocean Ash Scattering!
If you're planning travel or a memorial, reach out to Ocean Ashes for guidance or to arrange a service. We're here to support you every step of the way.