How to Ship Ashes
May 2, 2022
After your loved one's cremation service, you may discover that you have to learn how to ship the ashes. If in this situation, read on to learn all about it.
After a loved one has received a
cremation service
, there are multiple reasons as to why you’d have to ship their ashes either domestically or internationally. Coming upon this realization can be a stressful experience, especially given all of the rules and regulations that are sure to be in place when it comes to shipping something as precious as cremains. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry because we’ll break it all down for you! Our
funeral homes in McAllen, TX
are always open and available whenever you require any services. Call us today or stop by our location to
learn more
!
When preparing to ship your loved one’s ashes, there are a lot of things you’ll want to ensure you have on hand prior to taking any additional steps. Firstly, one of the most important things to have in your possession is identification for both yourself and your loved one through the form of licenses, birth certificates, and passports. In terms of identification for the deceased, the death certificate and paperwork prepared by your local cremation service providers should prove that the person inside the urn is in fact your loved one. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to get together all of the important documentation that is required by your designated states and governments. If your loved one is traveling via a shipping company, then it is required that you prepare their sealed containment within a sift-proof container. However, if you are traveling by plane then the TSA requires that the ashes be stored in a thin, lightweight plastic or wood urn.
It is no question that plane is the quickest and most efficient shipping method of remains, yet it is important that you not only arrive at the airport early but prepared as well. Again, ensure that you have on you all of the proper documentation and identification for both yourself and the deceased. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure that the ashes of your loved one are stored in an x-ray compliant container, as TSA will deny entry because they will not open any containers containing ashes out of respect for the deceased. Typically, your cremation service provider will offer to handle ash-compliant packaging for you. Depending on which airline you’ve chosen there are different rules when it comes to which form of luggage your loved one is supposed to be in. Some airlines allow the urn to be stored in carry-on while others require them to be checked-in with luggage. Another important note, if you are getting help with baggage, it’s always a good idea to let the staff know that your luggage contains ashes so that they know to handle them with extra care.
Since things can get tricky with international travel, we suggest planning this shipping of remains either weeks or even months in advance. In order to ensure hassle-free shipping, you should, call the designated consulate office for all of their rules and regulations, obtain all proper legal documentation from the embassy, and process all of the necessary forms in an adequate time frame.
Ash Shipping Preparation
When preparing to ship your loved one’s ashes, there are a lot of things you’ll want to ensure you have on hand prior to taking any additional steps. Firstly, one of the most important things to have in your possession is identification for both yourself and your loved one through the form of licenses, birth certificates, and passports. In terms of identification for the deceased, the death certificate and paperwork prepared by your local cremation service providers should prove that the person inside the urn is in fact your loved one. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to get together all of the important documentation that is required by your designated states and governments. If your loved one is traveling via a shipping company, then it is required that you prepare their sealed containment within a sift-proof container. However, if you are traveling by plane then the TSA requires that the ashes be stored in a thin, lightweight plastic or wood urn.
Shipping by Air
It is no question that plane is the quickest and most efficient shipping method of remains, yet it is important that you not only arrive at the airport early but prepared as well. Again, ensure that you have on you all of the proper documentation and identification for both yourself and the deceased. Additionally, you’ll want to be sure that the ashes of your loved one are stored in an x-ray compliant container, as TSA will deny entry because they will not open any containers containing ashes out of respect for the deceased. Typically, your cremation service provider will offer to handle ash-compliant packaging for you. Depending on which airline you’ve chosen there are different rules when it comes to which form of luggage your loved one is supposed to be in. Some airlines allow the urn to be stored in carry-on while others require them to be checked-in with luggage. Another important note, if you are getting help with baggage, it’s always a good idea to let the staff know that your luggage contains ashes so that they know to handle them with extra care.
Shipping Internationally
Since things can get tricky with international travel, we suggest planning this shipping of remains either weeks or even months in advance. In order to ensure hassle-free shipping, you should, call the designated consulate office for all of their rules and regulations, obtain all proper legal documentation from the embassy, and process all of the necessary forms in an adequate time frame.
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