Traveling with Cremated Remains: What Families Need to Know (2025)

For families planning to travel with the cremated remains of a loved one, navigating airline and TSA regulations can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time. At Clearview Cremation, we want to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible by equipping you with clear, helpful guidance before you head to the airport.

TSA Guidelines for Cremated Remains

‍The TSA allows cremated remains to be transported in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, there are special instructions for carry-on bags, and some airlines may have their own restrictions—especially regarding remains in checked luggage. We strongly recommend checking with your specific airline before traveling.

To ensure a respectful and efficient screening process, the TSA has provided a few important considerations:

• Use a screening-friendly container. TSA recommends traveling with a temporary or permanent urn made of lightweight materials like wood or plastic. If the container is made of metal or another opaque material, it may not be scannable and thus not permitted through security. TSA officers will not open the container, even upon request.
• Remember: the final decision lies with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. This means that experiences can vary from airport to airport and officer to officer—making it all the more important to be prepared.‍

Clearview Cremation’s Travel Recommendations

Based on our experience serving hundreds of families, here are a few additional tips we suggest to help optimize your chances of a smooth TSA experience:

• Remove any screws from the urn (if applicable). This can ease the inspection process and eliminate any confusion or delay during the scan.
• Travel with documentation. We always recommend bringing:
  1. A certified copy of the death certificate
  2. The certificate of cremation or other documentation that includes the burial transit permit

These documents help provide context if any questions arise and demonstrate that everything is in order.

Our Philosophy: Stack the Cards in Your Favor

While TSA’s guidance provides a framework, we’ve seen firsthand how individual officers may interpret or enforce policies differently. That’s why we encourage families to be thorough and take every precaution—especially when it comes to container materials and documentation. A little preparation can go a long way in preventing unnecessary stress on your journey.

If you're ever unsure about how to travel with cremated remains or need help preparing documents, we're always here to help. Feel free to contact our team at Clearview Cremation with any questions—we're honored to support you every step of the way.