Taking human ashes on an internal flight in the UK – can I put them in a suitcase in the hold

[OfftoPenzance]

Hi all,

I have to take my dad’s ashes with me on an internal UK flight from Stansted to Edinburgh, for a family ash scattering ceremony in Scotland.

The ashes are currently in the sealed and labelled paper bag in the labelled cardboard box that I picked up from the crematorium. I have a death certificate and a cremation certificate to accompany them.

My problem really is that I would much rather have the box of ashes safely wrapped up in my big suitcase, to be checked in to go in the hold of the plane, rather than having to carry them on in a cabin bag.

Unfortunately these days I am somewhat Weedy of Wrist and Absent Minded of Brain. The box is a bit heavy, and I’m so worried that I will put the cabin bag down somewhere in the airport and leave it there!

Has anyone taken a family member’s ashes in a suitcase in the hold on an internal UK flight? It seems that transporting human ashes is only really an issue on international flights, to countries such as the Philippines, who treat human ashes in the same way as they would an actual body and so are sticklers for the correct procedure/paperwork. And making sure it’s not a cover for smuggling drugs…!

I have family in the funeral business and it's quite common to take ashes on a flight.
Different airports and airlines have policies.
Best to declare them to staff at check in and ask their advice, maybe email the airline ahead of time.
Worst case you could send them ahead by DHL or UPS to the destination.

Could I not just pack the cardboard box of ashes in my big suitcase with my clothes etc, and not mention it to anyone. Really, what would it matter, and who would know...

Does what's left of my poor old dad have to go in a small cabin bag that will end up being kicked about the floor of the plane (on Easyjet, the small cabin bags have to go on the floor, under the seat in front of you) with the empty crisp packets and sweet wrappers.

I know hold baggage can go missing, but not too much can go wrong on a short flight between two modern UK airports.

I'm not sure being in the hold is any better than a cabin bag you can keep close and safe. I don't think it would get kicked across the floor.

That said, I don't see why you couldn't just pack the box in your suitcase. You have the paperwork in case there's an issue. Luggage does get lost though...

sorry for your loss - it's a tough time losing a parent.

Having just had a suitcase sent to another European country by accident I’m not sure I would want precious ashes in checked in luggage tbh.

I did a quick google of the British Airways policy which tells you they can go in the hold or hand luggage and the specific types of urns they allow.
Most couriers refuse to carry human remains probably because of insurance issues.

I work in the Funeral trade and would always recommend taking as hand luggage due to the potential for your hold bag to be lost or damaged in transit.

Baggage reclaim at Edinburgh can be horrendous, I’d take him as carry on.

Could I not just pack the cardboard box of ashes in my big suitcase with my clothes etc, and not mention it to anyone. Really, what would it matter, and who would know...

until they scan your bag / your bag goes missing / someone queries it…

I'm an ex funeral arranger. A lot of courier companies will not handle human ashes, but there are specific companies that will arrange the relocation of ashes.

I would check the airlines website because the majority do not allow cremated remains to be put in hold luggage. Also be aware that luggage can get lost, even on internal flights, and airline workers often do not treat luggage respectfully.

Part of our training was that cremated remains should be treated with the same respect as the deceased body, so I personally would have them in my cabin bag and keep them close. You can get wheeled cabin bags now that are inexpensive, which would take the pressure off your wrist.

Thank you very much for all your helpful replies. Yes, it wouldn't be great if my bag/my dad was diverted to Lyon or somewhere..

I'll find a cabin bag that's tougher than the one I usually use, with a shoulder strap so I can keep it attached to me.

Thanks again,

Useful comments, thanks. Bringing DM's ashes back to the UK later in the year so this has prompted me to look up the airline policy on doing that.

You need paperwork to fly ashes
It would be very upsetting to have them confiscated so find out in advance

I found a really helpful website Scattering Ashes UK which has a section about taking ashes on a flight.

I've added the link below:
Carrying ashes on a British Airways flight (scattering-ashes.co.uk)

Hope this is of some help.

Easyjet also has a section on flying with ashes.

https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/restricted-and-unusual-items#

I work at Heathrow and I’d definitely take them in my handbaggage- call up and get it remarked in your booking that you’re carrying ashes!

Then speak to the crew when you board and they should accommodate them for you so they won’t be kicked around….. our crew place them in the wardrobe so away from the normal lockers!

I travel with hand luggage only (long and short haul). My bag fits under the seat in front. It has never been "kicked around the floor" and I have the added bonus of it not getting sent to the wrong destination.

Hold baggage on the other hand gets thrown about all over the place, falls off the trollies that take it out to the plane, and has goodness knows what piled on top of it in the hold.

I know which option I would prefer for a loved ones remains.

Sorry for your loss OP. Hope the scattering ceremony goes well.