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.

I would (and did) NOT check it. See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...eferrerid=2627 which has a link to the TSA official statement.

I completely agree!! Those were uncalled for posts.

Why was this remark called for? There was no reason for this.

Official TSA Policy on Cremation Remains
 

Getting back on topic, here is the official TSA policy on cremation remains:

"Travelers & Consumers

Transporting Special Items

Transporting the Deceased

Crematory Containers

You have two options for carrying a crematory container with you on your flights:

Carry-on: You are allowed to carry-on a crematory container, but it must pass through the x-ray machine. If the container is made of a material that prevents the screener from clearly being able to see what is inside, then the container will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.

Checked Baggage: You may transport the urn as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. TSA will screen the urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only.

Please note the following additional information:

Out of respect for the deceased, the screener may not open the container under any circumstance.

Crematory Container Materials: Crematory containers are made from many different types of materials, all with varying thickness. At present, TSA cannot state for certain whether your particular crematory container can successfully pass through an x-ray machine. However, TSA suggests that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material such as wood or plastic that can be successfully x-rayed. The TSA will continue to work with funeral home associations to provide additional guidance in the future.

Please check with your air carrier about other restrictions that may apply.

Air Transportation of Deceased - Other methods (e.g. coffins)

Please check with air carrier to determine their policies and procedures"

It also definitely helps to keep the certificate of death with you as you go through the checkpoint, just in case additional proof is needed. Best of luck!

There is an article on this in todays (May 18) Wall Stree Journal, page B1. It also refers to a company called Renaissance Urn Co. that makes X-ray friendly plastic urn covers.
ALso says that any urn must be able to be x-rayed (so can not be made out of metal or lead lined ceramic - use wood or plastic).

"But we need to be certain what is in there, sir. Think of the children!"

:rolleyes:

Thanks TSA! You just showed us all a loophole in how to get a box full of "cremations" through your usless security!!!

^ ^

I don't see a loophole the remains and container still have to go through the x-ray and are still subject to etd testing and if your checking it in it will be screened for explosives. If the container is made of a material that can't be penetrated by x-rays its not going into the cabin.