I mentioned in the another thread we lost my father in-law to a house fire last week.
He wanted to be cremated, so we've had what was left cremated. He loved Jamaica and took his ex-wife and his daughter (my wife) numerous times while she was growing up (7-8 times I think), it was his favorite place in the world.
So, we'd like to be able to spread his ashes in Jamaica (we happen to be leaving a week from Saturday).
Is there anything I need to know about flying with, getting through customs, etc with an urn or other container in our checked luggage?
Call the airline that you are using. They will know the answer.
Im sorry for your loss. Have a safe trip.
My friend was just talking about this the other day. When they did it they went strait to the ticket counter and said they were traveling with human remains and they got shoved in the front of the line for everything and were the first seated on the plane. Ymmv
They did have to have the box taped up but I think he said other airlines might have different protocols.
What a horrible way to go. Hope your wife is doing as well as possible along with yourself considering the circumstances. A Jamaican burial sounds like a perfect plan. I have a feeling my wife and I will end up here. Its a long way off, I already plan on living to 2000 and I'm only 25.
Best wishes to your family. Mine will keep yours in our thoughts.
I hope it was quick. Very sorry for your loss.
Mail the Urn to the hotel you're staying at.
Sorry for your loss. Suggest that you check with the Jamaicans as well. I have a friend who took his wife's ashes to Mexico and had to jump through lots of hoops paperwork wise to clear it with the Mexican authorities.
I have no answer for the travel question but... holy E36 M3. Sorry for your and your wife's loss. That is horrible.
Not a problem at all. I recently did this. It's not like they are potentially toxic and there's the potential for disease like a dead body.
When you get the cremains you'll understand. You have a couple of very small containers that fit in your luggage.
We paid extra to get airline safe containers only to find they were small square plastic containers that were nothing special. The cremains were inside in a plastic bag with a twist tie.
We scattered him everywhere he liked, even Disneyworld. He is on several beaches and very near the start finish line of Sebring. We asked the people at Sebring if they'd mind and they said it was OK, that they had that kind of request all the time. He's also at Daytona.
So sorry man. I'd definitely call the airline and let them know. They'll assist you.
Thanks for the thoughts. All indications are that he likely died from smoke inhalation in his sleep.
We were there Thursday morning about 6 hours after the fire dept left, pretty horrific. Old 70s model mobile home, only thing left was the metal roof and appliances and iron beams the sub floor would have been attached to.
Even found his trusty blue heeler that didn't make it out. 
But at least we will be able to leave him in his favorite place.
I lost my sister and brother-in-law in the same way a few years ago. Old mobile homes are a bad place to have a fire.
Just so happens I know someone who should have the definitive answer and I shot them an Email, but I might not hear back until tomorrow morning.
z31maniac wrote:
Even found his trusty blue heeler that didn't make it out.
I actually had to wipe away a teardrop. I gave my trusty blue healer to my grandma.
carguy123 wrote:
He is...very near the start finish line of Sebring...He's also at Daytona.
Thats a pretty great final resting place...nice work!
My friend got back to me much quicker than I thought. Here's what the TSA has to say:
'We understand how painful losing a loved one is, and we respect anyone traveling with crematory remains. Passengers are allowed to carry a crematory container as part of their carry-on luggage, but the container must pass through the X-ray machine. If the container is made of a material that generates an opaque image and prevents the Transportation Security Officer from clearly being able to see what is inside, then the container cannot be allowed through the security checkpoint.'
'Out of respect to the deceased and their family and friends, under no circumstances will an officer open the container even if the passenger requests this be done. Documentation from the funeral home is not sufficient to carry a crematory container through security and onto a plane without screening.'
'You may transport the urn as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. We will screen the urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only.'
The important part for you:
'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.'
'Crematory containers are made from many different types of materials, all with varying thickness. At present, we cannot state for certain whether your particular crematory container can successfully pass through an X-ray machine. However, we suggest that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material such as wood or plastic that can be successfully X-rayed. We will continue to work with funeral home associations to provide additional guidance in the future.'
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1296.shtm
Also since Jamaica is not part of the US, I'd advise getting hold of someone at their consulate or in their government and make sure there's no restrictions etc that you need to be aware of.
