Transporting Ashes
Understanding the Process
It is not uncommon for cremated remains to need to be transported across the country. Transporting ashes is not a complicated process, but some things must be arranged in advance to ensure the process goes smoothly.
>>Transportation of Human Remains
Transporting Ashes by Air
You should ALWAYS check with your airline to verify specific policies for transporting cremated remains. The carrier’s policies on transporting ashes vary and can change periodically.
Generally, ashes can be transported as cargo or carried on the plane. Some carriers require advance notice to accept remains as cargo, and documentation, such as the death certificate, is required.
Whether traveling domestically or abroad, you may need export paperwork from your embassy. You must check beforehand, particularly if you are transporting ashes overseas. Your funeral home or crematory can provide you with any required paperwork, such as an Affidavit of Non-contraband. Keep all of your documentation with the container of cremated remains.
The Container or Urn
In 2004, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) implemented special procedures for transporting cremated remains. The TSA has precise requirements for the type of containers used to transport ashes. TSA agents are not permitted to open urns and containers to verify that they contain cremated remains. That means the container must be capable of being X-rayed. Below is an extract from the TSA blog (click here to go to the original document) that addresses the topic:
If carrying on the crematory remains, they are subject to screening and must pass through the X-ray machine. If the X-ray Operator cannot clear the remains, TSA may apply other, non-intrusive means of resolving the alarm. Under no circumstances will an officer open the container, even if the passenger requests this be done. If the officer cannot determine that the container does not contain a prohibited item, the remains will not be permitted, and you could be denied boarding.
If you plan to use a permanent urn for the remains once you reach your final destination, check with your funeral home to see if they can provide you with a temporary urn for air travel. There are also unique permanent urns for transporting ashes that meet TSA requirements so they can pass through security.
Transporting Ashes by Shipping
Shipping domestically
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the only agency authorized to ship cremated remains in the US. FedEx, UPS, and DHL do not ship cremated remains. Fortunately, the USPS has established guidelines for exactly what you must do. Instructions are available on the USPS website (click here), or you can download USPS publication #139, How to Pack and Ship Cremated Remains, for detailed information.
- When shipping cremated remains (both human and animal), you must use Priority Mail Express® or Priory Mail Express International®.
- An official USPS Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box is required when shipping cremation remains. You can only order the Priority Mail Express Cremated Remains box online at The Postal Store® on USPS.com®. The boxes may also be available at select retail locations for immediate shipping needs.
- USPS requires that your package have padding and both an inner and outer container. The inner container must be sift-proof. The outer container must also be sift-proof. Use ample padding, so there is no movement between the inner and outer container.
- The Postal Service™ recommends that you put the sift-proof* container in a sealed plastic bag, clearly write both the complete return and delivery address along with the words “Cremated Remains” on a label and attach it to the sealed plastic bag. This will prevent difficulties if the shipping label becomes detached from the outer container.
Updated 4/4/2025
International shipping
The USPS will also ship cremated remains internationally unless the country you are shipping to prohibits cremated remains. Priority Mail Express International® must be available for the country to which you want to ship. Verify this with the Post Office or by consulting the International Mailing Manual. In addition to packing your remains as you would for domestic mailing, you must complete the proper customs declaration form.
