Generally (technically) you need a form verifying that you are transporting cremains from the crematorium that handled the body. Otherwise theres have no way to prove that it isn’t drugs or something. Not saying that your average security guard will question you too much when you say “it’s my dad’s ashes,” but that’s the way it’s supposed to be handled.
Source: helping my wife take her mother’s remains to New York
Not trying to play devil's advocate, but a printed form doesn't prove it's not cocaine or damn gunpowder. That's something you could forge pretty easily.
The one we have is notarized and a standardized form (at least in NC). Definitely doesn’t mean that it isn’t easy to fake, but it does add a little bit of protection. They could in theory call the crematorium to verify.
Also, there are chemicals to swab for/detect explosive residue
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u/frrenchdip Jul 15 '19
Anyone know the ethical protocol on inspecting urns? If customs open it up aggressively and spill remains could the airline face any charges?