Can You Take Human Ashes on Etihad Airways? A Complete Guide

Navigating the emotional and logistical complexities of carrying a loved one’s ashes can be challenging. When it comes to airlines, the rules can vary, making it essential to do your homework before boarding. We wanted to take the guesswork out of this task for those flying with Etihad Airways. That’s why we picked up the phone and called them to get the most accurate and updated information. Read on to find out exactly what we learned.

Etihad Airways Ashes Policy and Key Restrictions You Need to Know

First and foremost, you should know that Etihad Airways differs from many other airlines when it comes to carrying ashes. Contrary to what you may find elsewhere, Etihad does not allow passengers to carry human ashes in their hand luggage. Instead, the ashes must be placed in your checked bag.

For clarity, your checked bag is typically your suitcase—the one too large or heavy to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.

Special Considerations: International Travel

While Etihad has its own set of rules, remember that international travel often involves additional considerations. If you’re travelling to a different country, you may encounter other rules and regulations concerning the transportation of human ashes. Etihad Airways recommends contacting the embassy of the country you’re flying to for the most current information.

Insider Tips for Transporting Ashes via Etihad Airways

To make your journey as smooth as possible, we gathered some extra tips based on our call with Etihad:

• Use a Non-metallic Urn: When your checked luggage goes through customs, it will be scanned. To avoid any complications, opt for a non-metallic urn that can easily pass through X-ray machines.
• Consult an Embassy: This advice can never be stressed enough, particularly if your journey involves crossing international borders. Always reach out to the embassy for any rules that may be specific to your destination country.

Etihad Airways Baggage Size and Weight Limits for Ashes

It’s not just about whether you can carry the ashes; you also need to consider the weight and size restrictions of your checked luggage:

• Diamond First Class: 110 lb/50 kg
• Pearl Business Class: 88 lb/40 kg
• Coral Economy Class: 66 lb/30 kg
• Infants: 22 lb/10 kg

Maximum size and weight for any checked luggage are 18 in x 28 in x 35 in (45 cm x 72 cm x 90 cm) and 70 lb (32 kg), respectively.