I have done this several times, and TSA was never a problem, nor were the airlines. However, if travelling internationally, be sure that you know the rules and regs of the country to which you are travelling.

In Germany, for example, arrangements have to be made with the cemetary "accepting" and placing the ashes. Without that authorization, German Customs agents can deny your entry (or, more accurately, deny entry of the ashes). Reps at the Germany Embassy told me that they know many people who carry ashes to Germany, and many get thru. But it is illegal in Germany.

I don't think one can predict what OP's mother will experience. Screeners may be very accomodating and respectful, choosing to leave the urn alone -or- they may perform some very invasive/offensive procedures. I hope she experiences the former.

None of your damn business...if it makes her feel better and doesn't hurt anyone stay out of it.

If some TSO goon messed up or desecrated my family member's ashes I would end up in custody because I would not let that go.

One possibility for the OP's mother is to have a jeweler make up a locket or sealed sphere for a necklace, and enclose a pinch of the ashes in it. I've seen something similar in the past, and that way there would be no problem getting through Security anywhere, as it would just go through as jewelry.

Thanks all for the great replies. As usual, a wealth of good info.

My mother has a phobia about flying even in the best of times, so the slightest possibility that her journey would be made even more difficult was just too daunting for her. She did just what hasfrau suggested and got a locket into which she sealed some ashes. She wears it all the time.

Plus, she is considering driving instead of flying.

And to Mikey - thanks for your concern. Not sure my mother was ever actually normal. (Mother, if you're reading this, you know I mean that in the nicest way). But she was happily married for 50 years, and my father has been gone for only 3 months. So keeping "him" close to her *is* her way of grieving, at least for now. Maybe after time goes by, she'll find a different way.

I'm so curious what line of work you're in!

The TSA is forbidden to open up an urn, my only recommendation is that she uses a fairly simple container -- we usually place an object underneath the urn to insure us that the urn and/or its contents are not opaque...

I have never seen an urn that didn't make it through security, so...