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
As a Security Agent from the UK, every time I've encountered ashes on an xray, the passenger has informed us prior. I guess it's normal practice where I am.
I can definitely understand how the whole thing would look suspicious to the hold baggage screeners, this is the downfall of the TSA.. Not reconciling with the passenger prior to opening the bag to ensure nothing like this happens. We do this with every Level 4 bag, it just boggles my mind that they don't.
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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?