Need to take some of my step-father's ashes with me next week to scatter them in a special place.

Has anyone done this? I will be checking a bag and also a carry on roller board. Does it matter where I put them?

Any suggestions? Please be respectful...

When I did this, I carried them on. I took a don't ask, don't tell approach, and I didn't run into any problems.

My condolences. In supporting my friend and his travel plans, it was about TSA AND NOT Delta. He followed the posted TSA policy but also picked a time during a lull at security. He watched the TSA agents for seversl minutes finding the ones he thought were acting with compassion that day. And approached with humility and simply said "can you help me and my father get home?" Explained and let the process play through. It worked fine and he then packed them in his roller bag in the overhead and all was well.

He did not want them out of his eyesight by checking them. Ask about the pros of a woodern or metal urn vs hardboard urn for transport. He heard that TSA has an easier time with a hard cardboard box sides.

This from the TSA...
Traveling with Crematory Remains

The subject of traveling with crematory remains has been in the news recently. As part of our standard operating procedures, TSA has a clear process for screening crematory remains. Our Officers routinely conduct these types of screenings throughout our nation’s airports.

Passengers may transport crematory remains as part of their carry-on property or checked baggage. Some airlines do not allow crematory remains as checked baggage, so check with your airline first.

If carrying on the crematory remains, they are subject to screening and must pass through the X-ray machine. If the X-ray Operator cannot clear the remains, TSA may apply other, non-intrusive means of resolving the alarm. Under no circumstances will an officer open the container, even if the passenger requests this be done. If the officer cannot determine that the container does not contain a prohibited item, the remains will not be permitted.

We understand the emotional stress passengers may be under when transporting the remains of a loved one. Our guidelines for traveling with crematory remains is not intended to make this already emotionally difficult process more complex than needed. However, crematory remains are one of the many sensitive items that could be exploited by someone wanting to conceal a dangerous item.

If you have questions, concerns or would like to provide feedback, please feel free to contact the TSA Contact Center, 1-866-289-9673 or use the Talk to TSA feature on our website.

Check them to be safe. Chances of loss are extremely low. Perhaps you could scatter half on this trip if you really concerned about loss. I apologise if that's too personal in your time of grief.

captiveguru- my sincere condolences to you.

A friend passed away from cancer three years ago. She had specifically told me how much she dearly wanted to go compete in a 24 hour sailing race in Australia that I've participated in for the previous 8 years. It's a very special and unique race, specifically designed as a fundraiser for cancer research.

Unfortunately, she passed before she could make the trip. Her sister agreed that I should take a small part of her along with me to Australia, so I could scatter some ashes on the lake during the race. I was just one of about a dozen people who shared her ashes in special places around the world.

After researching online (see calrick's comments above), I made it happen.

It may not have been needed, but I got a copy of her death certificate, and attached it to the envelope with the ashes, and put it in my carry on. I didn't say anything to TSA; but was prepared to address the issue. Since the envelope was easily scannable by TSA, nothing came of it.

The experience of sharing the ashes during the race was powerful, and poignant though. The emotional toll had me (and everyone else on the boat) crying and smiling at the same time. I have a wonderful photo of the moment, but don't know how to add it to this post, sorry.

Best wishes to you!

Though allowed I would not check cremains, carry them on in a fully seal bag that it is clearly marked cremains with a copy of the death cert. Here are Delta's and the TSA policies:

https://www.deltacargo.com/ProductsR...anRemains.aspx

http://blog.tsa.gov/2012/06/travelin...y-remains.html

IME, it was not an issue to carry my FIL on board in a simple wood box, he was appropriately bagged and tagged (sorry black humor). The TSA did not take a second look at our carry on.

Good luck and may you celebrate their life with a smile.

Thanks for the feedback and advice. Had not thought to carry a copy of the death certificate. I will actually be taking some of his and my mother's ashes. Since you were all so kind, here is the rest of the story:

Flying MCO-LAX to board a ship that makes the passage through the Panama Canal. He worked there as an engineer in the early 1950's. In his later years his memory faded but he could always remember the details of his time there. Had hopes of taking him on the cruise but that did not work out.

Took an urn through TSA in 2013. I was ready for an ordeal, but TSA did not require that the urn go through the x-ray machine and simply swabbed the outside for explosives. In my case they did not need to open the urn. YMMV, but TSA was very respectful and explained exactly what and why they did everything.

Also, no issues with DL as I just put it back inside my carryon bag. I feel that checking the remains may cause more issues with your luggage being searched in a more reckless manner.