Getting Cremations thru Security
 

There is a TravelBuzz thread http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=316783 related to this but I am hoping to see more TSA actuall screener response here.

Would someone with some knowledge on this, please advise me on what the procedures are for dealing with ashes coming thru security?

On the other thread, it seemed that once the initial screener okay'd it with a supervisor, that could pass thru just fine without having to open the box. (Eventually, I'll have to do this anyway, but still.) The ashes I have are 20 yrs old and, while all the cemetary and death info is on a label on the wrapping paper of the parcel-like box, I have no death cert or cremation paperwork. Hopefully, this won't be needed?

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman! :)

(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

Seriously though, if I were you I'd contact the state/entity in question and get a copy of the death certificate, just so there's no question as to the cause of the human remains you will be carrying.

Also, you may have to clear the carrying of human remains in the cabin with the airline; they may actually be considered a bio-hazard by some ICAO/FAA regulation.

:rolleyes:

I wouldn't doubt it.

Can't speak for other airports, but @ RDU, remains (human or otherwise) pass thru all the time. Checked or carry-on.

There has been some issues lately of carrying human remains through the check point. I would advise you to put the remains in your checked luggage. The box should be identified by placing it in another box or plastic bag and labeled again as to the contents. I would inform the ticket agents about the box while you are checking in.

If I was to check it in, I would take your advise ... but, I just can't make myself do it.

I would really like to know what the official TSA procedure is on this. So far, according to experience, even without documentation, for those that did not present it, it looks like it hasn't been a problem for anyone to get thru.

Of course, knowing my luck, I would be the first to have a problem. I just wanted to know the procedure from one of our FT TSA agents, so I could say, "well, according to Section blah, blah of your handbook, as long as its xrayed and blah, blah and whatever, its okay."

If there is official TSA procedure, it is, no doubt, secret. Which means you are at the full whim of the mighty 'Transportation Protector' of the American people. It will tell you what rights you have.. when it wants you to know, and it will allow you to do.. what it thinks you should do. Don't question them, that is illegal. Just be happy that by the grace of God we have a mighty protector charged to protect those as ignorant as we.

look here, http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/e...orial_1296.xml

You actually admit to being a TSA screener at RDU? Or am I assuming too much?

Thanks to tsadude for the link; I would suggest that the original poster print and carry a copy of that page with them on the trip. One of the biggest problems with TSA (and most agencies) is that many employees are unaware of the rules and therefore make up their own.

The policy that TSADude brought up is the policy used at my airport.

lisamcgu,

If you bring the remains to the checkpoint, make sure if it's in one of your carry-on bags you take out. That will save you a possible bag check. My airport usually places a item in a bin and then places the remains on top of it to see if we can see the item below through it, and we haven't had to send one person to check them yet.

I just hope that the TSA'holes don't dump the contents of the box on to the table, or into the dispode bin with the knitting needles and nail clippers and butane lighters.

:(

THANKS!!! TSADude, screenerx and studentff!!! I will take ALL your advise and will be feeling much more confident and stressfree about all this. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. Thanks again for making this easy :)

Or open it and sneeze into it ;)

Now all of the TSA people here gave the person respect at their question and provided an answer. The FF posters here were disrespectful to a sensitive question by using any reason to bash a person or group.