Can You Take Human Ashes on Air New Zealand?

Navigating the ins and outs of airline policies is never easy. When it comes to sensitive matters like carrying human ashes, you’d want all the details upfront to make your journey as smooth as possible. Great news! We’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to carry human ashes on Air New Zealand flights.

Air New Zealand’s Policy on Carrying Ashes

Interestingly, Air New Zealand doesn’t have a concrete policy when it comes to carrying human ashes. But they were kind enough to give us some guidance.

Here’s What They Told Us:

Air New Zealand does not prohibit passengers from carrying urns containing the cremated ashes of their loved ones.

However, they do request that you carry the urn discreetly, out of respect for other passengers. It’s advisable to carry the urn as cabin baggage to ensure safe handling.

Air New Zealand strongly recommends wrapping or boxing the urn to secure its contents throughout the journey.

While it’s not mandatory, carrying appropriate documentation, like the death certificate and cremation certificate, is highly recommended.

What About Customs?

Air New Zealand cautioned that Customs and Border Security may ask to see documents relating to the cremated human remains. Therefore, having the right documents (death & cremation certificate) in hand will make the process at both departure and arrival points more seamless.

Also, choosing the right container for the scanning process at customs is much easier. More about this below.

Urn and Size Specifications for Ashes on Air New Zealand Flights

Make sure the container holding the ashes is X-ray transparent; failure to do so could result in airport security disallowing your luggage on the plane.

Additionally, ensure that the container (be it an urn or a temporary urn, such as a scatter tube) fits within Air New Zealand’s carry-on size requirements.

These are calculated by summing up the container’s length, width, and height (including any wheels and handles that can be tucked away). The total dimensions must not exceed 118 cm (46.5 inches).

As for weight limits, Economy carry-on can weigh up to 7kg (15lb).

For those travelling in Premium Economy, Business Premier, connecting Business Premier, as well as Airpoints Gold, Elite, and Star Alliance Gold members, the carry-on bags can weigh up to 14kg (30lb) in total, with one item weighing up to 10kg (22lb). Make sure your ashes container fits within these weight specifications set by Air New Zealand.

So...