When a friend died at the end of the year in Central America, I offered to repatriate his cremated remains when I go to the states at the end of this month. Airport security here has told me that I must pack the sealed container in my checked baggage. Here they do not allow them in a carry on bag. I think I should keep all original documents with me and put only a copy of the death certificate with the container. Or should I put the original death certificate with the container and hope that neither gets stolen? Since I have two more flights after clearing customs in the US, I plan to leave the container in my checked bags. sound okay?

I think you need to check with the airline you are flying as they may have certain restrictions.

Sounds like a plan but I agree with checking with the airline.

I'd definitely carry the death certificate with you and fasten a copy to the container. You'll want the original in hand if asked for it. I suspect no one will ask and the trip will be uneventful.

In the US, it is common to get a number of original certificates as multiple offices will want an original. I don't know about the country where your friend died.

I'm frugal, so I would keep the originals and put a simple copy with the container, unless they demand otherwise. If they complain, give them one of your originals.

I'm certain the airline will have been through this, and will tell you just what to do.

My friend's cremains arrived safely! I declared the small duffle bag when I checked it in Guatemala City; they entered some information in the computer to let the baggage screeners know what it was. I left it with the checked bags all the way to HNL and it was among the first things off the plane. No problems! Whew!