3 Tips for Traveling by Plane with Cremation Urns

Scott County Cremation • May 10, 2021

If you’ve lost a loved one who lives far away, you may have to fly in to attend the memorial. There are some steps that will help if you want to take some of the ashes home with you.

cremation services in Burnsville, MN

Having to say goodbye to a loved one is never easy. It will also be hard, should your deceased loved one be in another city, to fly out to where their memorial will be held. But what happens if you'd like to take some of their ashes back home with you in an urn? What follows are 3 tips to help you get the urn home problem-free following the cremation services in Burnsville, MN


1. Choose Urn that Will Get Past Airport Scanning Machine 


Your luggage will be put through an X-ray machine. But so, too, will the cremation urn. When the officials scan the urn, they must be able to determine what's inside of it in order to allow you to take it on the plane with you. That's why you have to choose the right kind of urn. If you choose an urn that is constructed from thick material, the X-rays might not be able to pass through the urn, which means that it won’t be possible to determine what's inside. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by choosing an urn made of plastic, wood, or some other material that can successfully be X-rayed. The official who scans your urn will be able to tell that it contains cremated remains and is therefore safe for transport aboard the plane. 


2. Place it in Your Carry-On Luggage 


You might want to keep the urn in your carry-on luggage. This will ensure that it doesn’t get lost. Not all airlines permit travelers to carry urns in their carry-on luggage, however, so it’s a good idea to check with the airline you’ll be traveling with. They’ll tell you their policies on the matter. 


3. Carry Official Funeral Home Documentation 


You can also help your own cause by asking the funeral home to give you official documentation that you can, if required, present to the person scanning your cremation urn. 


If you’ll be flying to attend the memorial of a deceased loved one and plan to take home some of the ashes in an urn, you can use these tips to help you navigate the process. You can, of course, contact a reputable service provider like Scott County Cremation for more advice. We’ve been around since 2016, but our sister company has been a well-respected business in the community since the 1960's. If you need a Burnsville, MN cremation services provider, you can count on us to offer you the help you need and to answer your questions. Our basic package includes everything legally required for a direct cremation. You’ll be able to plan an affordable and memorable final send-off without having to sacrifice quality. Whether you have some questions or you’re ready to plan final services, give us a call or stop by for a visit. You can also check us out online at https://www.scottcountycremation.org/ if you’d like to find out more. We’ll help you plan a cremation for a loved one or even to preplan one for yourself if you’d like. So get in touch by phone, in person, or online. 


Golden sunlight through the trees creates a peaceful setting for cremation services Savage, MN
July 6, 2026
Choose cremation services Savage, MN, with clear steps, steady care, and respectful support from Scott County Cremation. Call (952) 402-9000 today.
Candlelight glowing among smooth stones creates a peaceful scene for cremation services Chaska, MN
June 22, 2026
Peaceful farewell ideas and caring support for cremation services in Chaska, MN from Scott County Cremation. Know your options with comfort when needed.
A person sorting letters and keepsakes creates a tender scene for cremation services Burnsville, MN
June 15, 2026
Respectful support for cremation services in Burnsville, MN from Scott County Cremation. Call (952) 402-9000 to know your options with care today.
American flag waving on a warm evening sky adds a respectful touch to cremation services Savage, MN
June 8, 2026
Scott County Cremation helps families arrange cremation services Savage, MN, with veteran-focused guidance. Know Your Options with respectful support today.
Quiet lakeside pier toward distant mountains creates a calm scene for cremation services Chaska, MN
June 1, 2026
Steady guidance and care for cremation services in Chaska, MN from Scott County Cremation. Call (952) 402-9000 to know your options with confidence today.
A row of candles creates a peaceful and comforting scene for cremation services Burnsville, MN
May 25, 2026
Explore 5 moments when cremation services in Burnsville, MN may feel right for families seeking a simple path with care from Scott County Cremation.
A pink flower in soft focus brings a gentle and peaceful touch to cremation services Savage, MN
May 18, 2026
Know what to expect with cremation services in Savage, MN through steady guidance and caring support from Scott County Cremation. Know your options now.
An American flag brings a respectful and comforting touch to cremation services Chaska, MN
May 11, 2026
Honor military service with dignity and support through cremation services in Chaska, MN from Scott County Cremation. Reflect lasting pride with care today.
A person holding a letter over a keepsake box with cremation services in Burnsville, MN
May 4, 2026
Scott County Cremation shares caring ideas for preserving memories after loss. See how cremation services in Burnsville, MN can help. Call (952) 402-9000 today.
American flag waving proudly against a clear blue sky with cremation services in Savage, MN
April 27, 2026
Dignified veteran tributes are possible with cremation services in Savage, MN from Scott County Cremation. Know your options today. Call (952) 402-9000.