Guide For Taking Human Ashes on Qatar Airways: Essential Rules and Costs

Flying with human ashes on Qatar Airways can seem daunting, but with the right information, you can ensure a smooth journey.

This guide provides everything you need to know about carrying human ashes on Qatar Airways, including the essential documents, airline policies, and country-specific regulations.

While this guide is primarily aimed at UK and Irish passengers flying outbound with human ashes, the same guidelines generally apply to all worldwide Qatar Airways flights.

Can You Take Human Ashes on Qatar Airways?

Yes, you can take human ashes on Qatar Airways. However, the rules may vary depending on the country you’re flying to.

Based on firsthand communication with the airline, we have compiled this page to outline their policies for travelers carrying human ashes.

Note: This guide specifically covers human ashes; animal ashes are not included. Additionally, the airline is not responsible for country-specific rules, so it’s crucial to understand the regulations of the country you are flying to.

Main countries Served by Qatar Airways: Qatar, Australia, India, Thailand, United Arab Emirates. Please note that some countries, like Qatar, may not allow ashes to enter through customs.

Qatar Airways Policy and Rules for Taking Ashes on a Plane

What Documents Do You Need?

• Death Certificate
• Cremation Certificate

These documents must be readily available throughout your journey.

Additional Documentation May Be Required: You may need specific documents based on the destination country. For further details, see the information lower down the page.

Urn Requirements

• Material: The urn must be made of X-ray scannable materials, such as glass, wood, plastic, marble, or ceramic.
• Seal: The urn must be securely sealed and placed within an outer box that is also securely packed.

Size and Weight Limits:

• Hand Luggage Limit: The urn, including its outer container, must fit within your hand luggage. Qatar Airways allows one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg (50cm x 37cm x 25cm). Business and first-class passengers can carry up to 15kg across two bags.
• Weight Considerations: The ashes typically weigh between 1.8kg and 4kg, and the urn can add an additional 1kg to 3kg, bringing the total weight to around 2.8kg to 7kg.

Important: Ashes must be carried in your hand luggage—this reduces the risk of damage or loss compared to checked baggage.

Pre-Travel Notice

It is mandatory to inform the ground staff at check-in that you are carrying human ashes. Notify security staff as well when passing through airport security checks.