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TSA Rules

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TSA Rules and Guidelines

Things to know when traveling through airport security to ensure there are no problems for you when trying to make your flights

You have two options for carrying a crematory container (urn) 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. To ensure that your needs are met, we met with the TSA at Denver International Airport (DIA) in October, 2004 and tested various urns in their x-ray equipment. The only urns that seem to create difficulties for the screeners are made of cast bronze and pewter. Tests on sheet bronze, wood, marble, and cloisonne urns revealed enough opacity to satisfy the screener. If you prefer a cast bronze or pewter urn we can arrange to provide a temporary container for your travels allowing the empty urn to be transported in your checked baggage. We will contact a funeral home at your destination to transfer the cremated remains from the temporary to the permanent container at no cost to you.

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

  • Some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage so please check with your air carrier before attempting to transport a crematory container in checked baggage.
  • 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. The test referenced above was on a representative selection of urns, but is not a guarantee of acceptance.
  • Please check with your air carrier about other restrictions that may apply.