Flying with ashes
 

I just lost my beloved traveling companion. Before her passing, she had asked me to take some of her ashes to Paris "afterwards". I have planned the trip, and will leave on March 26th. Has anyone had an experience with doing this lately? There are some older threads regarding it, but I'm concerned about getting more up-to-date information, in case things have changed. It seems, in the past, most people had no issues going through Security, and then just discretely scattered the ashes at a location, without asking any authorities nor asking about any local rules/laws. "What they don't know won't hurt them" philosophy....

Several friends and relatives are taking small amounts of the ashes to various destinations, so that she will be in all her favorite places, therefore I won't be carrying an urn or anything like that.....probably just a very small baggie. I'm only taking a carry-on, and am not checking a bag, so this will definitely be something I'll have with me when I go through Security. That is my biggest concern.

Will appreciate any input from my fellow travelers. Thanks!

We did this when we went to Egypt last year. The ashes were in a tiny silver vial, in a baggie, with my cosmetics. No issue whatsoever.

Just do it.

Thanks, guys!

Hi nickidee, not a flight to Europe but a neighbor a few months ago took part of her mother's ashes on a domestic flight within the US. She had the funeral home that handled her mother's remains put some of her dear mother's ashes in a vial and they sealed it and said it would be acceptable to security (she only took a carryon bag) and it was. Best regards.

Hi nickidee,
My husband just did this with his father's ashes on a trip to Canada a few months ago. He placed a small amount in a film canister and then in a baggie in his carryon. I think the airlines are worrying about bigger things than this right now. The ashes don't resemble anything illegal so even if the airlines found them it shouldn't be of concern. What a nice final gift you are giving to your friend, and yourself.
Take care,
Michele

Again, thanks so much to my traveling friends, for the advice and the kind thoughts! I am looking forward to the time alone in Paris (my favorite place on earth), to reflect and remember. Hoping that taking the ashes will also give me some closure and peace.

nickidee, can you email me at dmlove51 at hotmail. I'd like to send you a picture we took in Egypt.