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Canada to allow families to fly with cremated remains
The World Sikh Organization of Canada has been contacted by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) about regulatory changes to airport screening of cremation containers (urns) when flying. As many Sikh families do travel with cremated remains, the below will be of particular importance;
Can You Fly with Cremated Remains?
Yes. You may bring a cremation container on the plane with you if certain conditions are met. We realize how difficult it is to lose a loved one, but knowing and planning to meet these conditions ahead of time can help you avoid disappointment at the airport. For example, some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage, so please check with your air carrier first to learn about possible restrictions.
Passengers are allowed to carry a cremation container with them as part of their carry-on baggage. The container, however, must pass through the x-ray machine.
• It must be made of a material that allows the x-ray to clearly scan its contents.
• It should not contain additional items, such as a kirpan or bangles. We suggest you bring these separately in your checked baggage. A kirpan will not be allowed in carry-on baggage.
• It must pass security screening. Documentation from a funeral home does not provide an exemption to this requirement.
• Screening officers are not permitted to open a cremation container, and they will not inspect the contents if you open it yourself.
• It cannot be placed in checked baggage if it has been x-rayed at pre-board screening and its contents could not be determined.
Before heading to the airport ask your funeral director about temporary containers for transportation purposes. These containers are more likely to pass through security. You can also bring your empty permanent container with you and arrange for a funeral home at your destination to transfer the container contents.
What cremation container materials will pass through the security checkpoint?
Due to differences in thickness, shape and material, some cremation containers are more likely to pass Plastic, cardboard or cloth containers are most likely to clear the x-ray machine and be permitted past the checkpoing.
Metal, granite and ceramic containers are least likely to be permitted past the checkpoint.
If your container does not pass pre-board screening for carry-on baggage, you may:
• leave the container with a friend or family member who is not travelling and still at the airport;
• ask your airline representative to re-book you on a later flight, allowing you time to make other
• ship the container via mail, cargo or courier. Please keep in mind that shipping options vary at places
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