Can You Take Human Ashes on a Virgin Atlantic Flight?

> Taking Ashes Abroad > Virgin Atlantic
While this guuide is primarily aimed at UK and Irish passengers flying outbound with human ashes, the same guidelines generally apply to all Virgin Atlantic flights, regardless of departure or arrival location.

After contacting Virgin Atlantic via phone support, we’ve put together this informative piece to explain and clarify their rules and regulations regarding travelling with ashes on their flights.

 

What Virgin Atlantic Allows for Ashes

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to carry human ashes on a Virgin Atlantic flight, the answer is yes. However, there are some strict guidelines you’ll need to follow. Here’s a breakdown of what’s required:

 

Keeping the Ashes in Cabin Baggage

Ashes must be taken onboard as part of your cabin baggage. Virgin Atlantic explicitly does not allow transportation of human ashes in hold luggage. Keeping them in your carry-on bag provides you with peace of mind, ensuring that they won’t be misplaced or damaged.

 

Required Documentation for Ashes on Virgin Atlantic

It is mandatory to travel with a copy of the death certificate and cremation certificate readily available; the airport security and airline will likely check the documents.

 

Virgin Atlantic’s Container Requirements for Ashes

The ashes must be transported in a ‘security-friendly’ container. Virgin Atlantic recommends that the container be lightweight and made of plastic or wood. However, any material that passes through security is acceptable. The container must also be secure and tightly shut.

 

No Advance Notice Required for Ashes on Virgin Atlantic

Interestingly, Virgin Atlantic does not require you to inform them in advance that you’re travelling with ashes. Still, it’s crucial that you follow the specified processes.

 

Security Measures for Ashes on Virgin Atlantic

Should the container you chose be unscannable by X-ray at security, it will be immediately refused. It’s important to note that security personnel are not allowed to open the container under any circumstances.

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Urn Restrictions for Ashes on Virgin Atlantic Flights

If you choose to travel with ashes in an urn, ensure that:

  • The urn is made from materials that can pass through a security X-ray – like plastic, ceramic, marble, wood, or glass.
  • The urn’s lid is securely fastened.
  • The urn must fit within your carry-on luggage and adhere to Virgin Atlantic’s weight limit, which is a maximum of 10 kg.

 

Baggage Allowance

Virgin Atlantic allows one item of cabin baggage measuring 23cm x 36cm x 56cm, including wheels and handles. If you’re an ‘Upper Class’ passenger, you can bring on two bags with a total combined weight of 16 kg. These bags must also meet the size requirements.

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International Considerations for Ashes on Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic permits the transportation of ashes to any country they fly to. However, it’s crucial to note that different countries have different rules and regulations. Therefore, contact the embassy of your destination country to ensure you have the correct paperwork.

So...

If this guide has been helpful to you, feel free to share it with others who might also find it beneficial. If you have experience traveling with ashes on Virgin Atlantic, we'd be grateful if you could share your insights by leaving a comment below. Your feedback is extremely important to us. Our goal is to simplify the complexities of traveling with ashes for anyone using Virgin Atlantic.
How heavy is My URN?
If you're flying with Virgin Atlantic and carrying ashes, it's crucial to take into account the total weight of both the ashes and the urn. Generally, the ashes will weigh between 1.8kg and 4kg, and the urn can add another 1kg to 3kg to that weight. This makes the collective weight vary from as low as 2.8kg to as much as 7kg, averaging around 4.9kg. As an alternative, consider using a scatter tube, which weighs a minimal 0.35kg.
What size is my URN?
In terms of urn dimensions, they usually measure between 10 to 12 inches in height (or 25 to 30 cm) and have a diameter of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm). For the most accurate measurement, you should either take the dimensions yourself, consult the specifications from where you purchased the urn, or contact the crematorium if that's where the urn was obtained.
Wizz Air Contact Details

Email: customer.relations.us@fly.virgin.com

Website: https://www.virginatlantic.com/

Phone: +44 (0)344 8747747

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