Getting Cremations thru Security
#1
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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?
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?
#2
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Originally Posted by lisamcgu
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?
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?

(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.
#3
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Originally Posted by HeHateY
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.
I wouldn't doubt it.
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 928
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.
#6
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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."
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."
#7
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Originally Posted by lisamcgu
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."
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."
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 928
Originally Posted by lisamcgu
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."
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."
#10

Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: BOS and vicinity
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Posts: 3,730
Originally Posted by tsadude
#11
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 940
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.
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.
#12
Join Date: May 2002
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Originally Posted by tsadude
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.
#13
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Originally Posted by screenerx
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.
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.
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
#14


Join Date: Jul 1999
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Posts: 3,654
Originally Posted by HeHateY
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.



