Question about ashes.....

pixie76

I know this sounds a bit morbid but can someone take your ashes after a cremation and take them abroad to scatter at a location of your choice? Would there be a problem with customs etc?

Darlyd

pixie76 wrote: »

I know this sounds a bit morbid but can someone take your ashes after a cremation and take them abroad to scatter at a location of your choice? Would there be a problem with customs etc?

When my great gran died, she was cremated, and because 3 of her children lived in Australia, my nan and the rest of the siblings, recorded the funeral and sent over half of her ashes to be scatted in her fave park over there, and the rest to be buried with her husbands ashes. So no not a problem, don't know how to go about it though..

Errata

I doubt it would be a problem, but a phone call to the country's embassy would confirm it would be ok.

melancholly

a friend brought back their relatives ashes with them in the back of a car from mainland europe.... they probably didn't even get stopped and asked though. i guess it all depends on where you're going and how you're getting there.

busiscoming2

I know Ryanair only allow human remains to be carried on one route, don't know why.

http://www.ryanair.com/en/questions/does-ryanair-carry-human-remains

Thought Id have a look at easyjet (saw the ryanair one a while ago while looking at the FAQ's) and apparantly ashes are not human remains judging by this...

http://easyjet.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4044/kw/human%20remains

So transporting them probably isn't an issue.

Pee

I'm not aware of any country that you couldn't take the ashes to, but might be an idea to have a letter from the undertaker in case customs did show too much interest - better than having the ashes needlessly tested for cocaine content maybe.

*Louise*

My mum brought my Uncle's ashes home on a flight from America in her hand luggage (he would have had a chuckle at that) - they had a certificate from the undertaker stating the contents and weight of the casket, it was just a small one though.

They also mentioned it to the airline when she booked the flight, just to check.

cazza1968

Hi I work at LHR. You can take ashes as hand luggage, or in the suitcase. Subject to your normal allowance. You need to carry documents from the undertaker that you get given anyway..
It is best to check with the aiirline you are traveling with though just in case they have a different policy.
I work for BA so you can def take them on us.

cazza1968

oh forgot to mention, they have to be packed correctly, ie not loose ashes in the urn. Ask the undertaker when you see them, and they will make sure they are suitable for travel.

Debbie_A_3

pixie76 wrote: »

I know this sounds a bit morbid but can someone take your ashes after a cremation and take them abroad to scatter at a location of your choice? Would there be a problem with customs etc?

Human "ashes" are essentially Calcium Phosphate. You can certainly carry this on aircraft, and take it through customs irrespective of where it came from. It would be a good idea to take some paperwork in case anyone asked any questions, though.

Check with the airline by all means (but beware of putting ideas in Mr O'Leary's head: I see scope for more Ryanair extra charges, here!)

Debbie

PoorCharleyBear

we did not even think about whether it was allowed when we took my FIL's ashes with us to Australia.
We had them in a screw lid tupperware pot and packed them in our suitcases. I hope it was legal but a bit late now!