Can You Take Human Ashes on Turkish Airlines?

Travelling with cremated human ashes can be a sensitive and emotionally charged experience. After a loved one has passed away, you might need to transport their ashes for a scattering ceremony in a meaningful location.

Turkish Airlines allows passengers to transport human ashes, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process. Our insights are based on our own journey carrying ashes from London to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. According to the airline, the process is quite consistent across different countries. Continue reading for more detailed information.

Rules for Transporting Human Ashes on Turkish Airlines

If you’re planning on flying with Turkish Airlines and need to carry human ashes, there are specific guidelines you must follow to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Basic Requirements

• Carry-on Luggage: Ashes can only be placed in your carry-on luggage.
• Wooden Box/Urn: Ashes must be in a wooden box or urn made of security-friendly materials.
• Shock-absorbing Material: The wooden box or urn must be packed with material that can absorb shocks to protect against breakage.
• Required Documentation: A Certificate of Death and Cremation must accompany the ashes.

Consequences of Not Following Turkish Airlines Ashes Guidelines

Failure to adhere to Turkish Airlines’ guidelines can result in the ashes being removed from your luggage. This can be emotionally and logistically challenging, so it’s crucial to prepare in advance.

Urn Restrictions for Ashes on Turkish Airlines

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what Turkish Airlines specifies about the urn you use:

• Material: The urn (or scattered tube) must be made from materials that are security-friendly and can pass through X-ray scanners. Acceptable materials include glass, wood, ceramic, marble, or plastic.
• Size and Weight: The urn should fit within your carry-on or hold luggage and abide by Turkish Airlines’ weight restrictions.

Turkish Airlines Baggage Allowance

When preparing to transport ashes on a Turkish Airlines flight, it’s crucial to understand their baggage policy for carry-on items. You’re allowed one piece of carry-on baggage with a weight limit of 8 kg and dimensions not exceeding 55cm x 40cm x 23cm. The urn or container holding the ashes must be accommodated within this carry-on luggage

International Guidelines for Transporting Ashes with Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines permits the carrying of human ashes on flights to all their destinations. While regulations across various countries are generally consistent, or vary minimally, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the specific rules of your destination country. Be sure to consult the embassy of the country you’re travelling to, in order to confirm you possess all necessary documentation.

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