TRAVELING WITH THE DEAD

I hope that it will never be you, but one day some of us might have to fly with the cremated remains of a loved one.


3 questions come to mind:


1. Is this even possible? 
2. If it is, what are the restrictions?
3. What does this cost?


A check of the Transportation Security Administration website -


http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1296.shtm


- says that it is possible & you can actually fly the ash-filled urn as a carry on for no extra fee ('Hooray for Granny Gert. She finally got a free flight'), but - since the TSA's a gov't agency - there is a rule or 2 to follow.


The main one: 'the container must pass through the X-ray machine'. 


'If (it) is made of a material that generates an opaque image  preventing the (TS) Officer from clearly (seeing) what is inside, then the (urn can't pass) through the security checkpoint'.


And a 'contents explaining' letter from your funeral director won't cut the muster. TSOs have to see what's inside with their own 2 peepers.


Plus, no matter how hard you beg, they won't 'can open' it on site.


I mean, do you really want to take the chance of Great Auntie Grizzelda being blown over the other passengers' shoeless (& possibly stinky) feet?


So leave all the lead lined versions at home.


However, if you'd like a more talkative seat mate perhaps you want to check late Uncle Ulysses with your other baggage.


This is OK with the TSA as long as they are able to eyeball the contents. 


'We will screen the urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only'.


But some companies are squeamish about the dearly departed mixing with the 'non once organic' luggage in their holds, so check with your chosen airline before showing up at the gate with 'post-living passengers'.


And, no matter what you do, there won't be any frequent flyer miles for the remains of Grampa Pete.


But where else does he really want to go, anyway?