Carrying Ashes on an easyJet Flight
Travelling with a loved one’s ashes can be a sensitive and sometimes stressful experience. Airlines each have their own rules, and it’s important to get things right before you travel to avoid unnecessary upset or delays at the airport.
If you’re planning to take cremation ashes on an easyJet flight, the good news is that easyJet does allow passengers to carry ashes on board — provided a few straightforward conditions are met.
easyJet’s Policy on Carrying Ashes
According to easyJet’s official guidance:
Can I take ashes or remains (pet or human) on board?
Yes, you can take ashes with you in your cabin bag, as long as:
You have a copy of the death certificate.
You have a copy of the cremation certificate.
The ashes are securely packaged in an appropriate container. We suggest a Scatter Tube
They also advise that you inform the handling agent at the airport that you are carrying ashes, and to mention it when passing through security, to help staff manage the process respectfully and efficiently.
One clear restriction is that actual human remains (uncremated) are not allowed on any route.
So — thank you, easyJet — this policy is both practical and compassionate.
Preparing to Travel with Ashes
Even though easyJet’s rules are clear, there are a few extra steps that can make your journey smoother:
Choose a non-metallic urn or scatter tube.
Metal containers can prevent airport scanners from verifying the contents, which can cause delays. We recommend using a biodegradable urn or a scattering tube — both are lightweight, dignified, and suitable for travel.Keep certificates handy.
Place the death and cremation certificates in a clear plastic folder in your hand luggage. You may be asked to show them at check-in or security.Tell the airline in advance (if possible).
Although not essential, it’s wise to contact easyJet’s customer service or note your situation when checking in online. It can save awkward conversations later.Be discreet but open with security.
When you reach airport security, quietly let staff know you’re carrying ashes. They’re used to this and will usually handle the process with sensitivity.
Check Entry Requirements at Your Destination
Before you fly, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re travelling to. Some countries have strict regulations for the import of human ashes, while others require specific paperwork or translations. This is particularly important if you’re travelling outside Europe.
Our detailed guide on Travelling with Ashes provides comprehensive advice on international flights, customs requirements, and the differences between airlines.
If it’s not practical for you to take the ashes yourself, you might wish to use our ashes courier and repatriation service. We work with trusted international partners to ensure your loved one’s ashes reach their destination safely and respectfully.
A Note on Compassion and Care
For many families, carrying ashes on a flight is an emotional journey — part of saying goodbye, or fulfilling a final wish. Whether you’re scattering them in a favourite place abroad or bringing them home, preparation brings peace of mind.
Choose a secure, lightweight urn, carry the right documents, and allow a little extra time at the airport. These small steps help ensure that everything goes smoothly, leaving you to focus on what truly matters — remembrance and closure.
Hi Richard
I plan to take some of my husbands ashes with me on holiday.
Flying to Portugal to meet a river cruise ship then fly back home.
I have the paperwork you have mentioned.
However, his remains will be in a Bakelite box. Will this go through security ok?
Thanks in advance,
Dear Sylvie
I have no reason to see why not Bakelite is xrayable so it should be fine. I hope all goes well.
I have not had anyone ask me about Bakelite before so I needed to look it up!
Kind regards
Richard
Hi, I want to take human ashes from Manchester to Jersey but do not have access to the death certifcate…the funeral director is happy to produce a letter instead, will this be acceptable and if so , what information do you need?
Kind Regards
That will be fine Linda I am pretty sure…
Kind regards
Richard
I am planning a round trip from Manchester to Athens. I will be wearing a memorial pendant with my dog’s token ashes inside. Do I need to prepare any paperwork? I only have a cremation certificate but no death certificate.
No it will be fine Davy
Kind regards
Richard
I have a small memorial necklace with my friends ashes in. Travelling to Benidorm next year and would like to wear it. Will I have a problem at customs or do I need paperwork
You will be fine Jeannie
Kind regards
Richard
Going on a tui flight in May with a small tube of husband’s ashes . If that allowed
Yes Judy – here is the right page – travelling with ashes
I’m planning to carry my dog’s urn and memorabilia e.g. some hair, nails, teeth samples to Chile. I only have aquamation certificate with me. Will that be okay?
I can’t say for certain, but there would be no reason why not. I would suggest check the airlines non carry list.
I hope all goes well.
Kind regards
Richard
Hi.please can you advise, myself and my sister are traveling to Spain , May 2023 and we are taking a small amount of our Dads ashes .
Do we need any paperwork?
Thank you
I don’t think these things are done by ‘quantity’ so to speak. I would still take cremation or death certificate and keep in a x-rayable tube – I am sure you will be fine.
Kind regards
Richard
I will be flying from Gloucester to Glasgow in March with a small amount of my fiancée ashes, do I need anything apart from copy of death certificate and copy of cremation certificate
No that fine in terms of paperwork Natasha
Hi I go to Turkey in may my necklace has a very small amount of my dad ashes,I always wear the necklace,will it be OK still to wear
Yes it is Tracie
Hi
I am planning to bring my father’s ashes across from Germany to Manchester in my hand luggage. Do the necessary papers (death certificate, cremation certificate) need to be translated into English?\
Thanks
Hi Isabell
It would be a pretty dreadful customs officer that expected that, personally I think that would be entirely unnecessary. I think I would put Google Translate on your phone just in case.
Kind regards
Richard
Thanks Richard!
Hi I am flying sofia to Manchester in October. My husbands ashes are in a sealed tin container and on documentation from the crematorium have an identifying chip inside to correspond with documentation. This I have had translated. I have also booked hold luggage and one bag as I thought they would travel in the hold. Can I change this to a cabin bag if its not allowed and do I have to open the ashes to a plastic container
Hi Allison
This is the main page covering travelling with ashes https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/help-advice/travelling-with-ashes/
I hope that helps
Thanks
Richard
CanI book a flight for my brother’s ashes to be brought to Manchester airport from Verona, Italy? The funeral home will deliver the ashes to the airport with all documentation and I would collect from Manchester.
Hi No it doesn’t work like that – you would need a specialist courier. Sorry. This is the page you need – https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/services/transporting/
Kind regards
Richard
Good afternoon, I will be taking a small amount of my uncles Ashes in an Ashes to glass paper weight to give to his daughter in Barcelona. I have the cremation certificate will this be OK to take on board?
Yes it will be fine I am sure Tracy
Hi Richard,
Can I take a small amount of my dad’s ashes to Lithuania. Do I have to declare it or can I just carry it in hand luggage as part of my make up?
The problem with taking small amount of of white powder undeclared through baggage check is it could be mistaken for other things – this has happened. I would tend to aire on the side of cution and let them know.
Kind regards
Richard
My mother will be traveling from Liverpool to Belfast with ashes in a Scatter Tube, is this allowed , thank you .
Yes that is possible.
Hi , I’m travelling to lanzarote in september and I have me mums ashes , I’m wishing to take with me
I have the copy of the letter they give you from funeral parlour to allow you to take abroad .the ashes are a sealed container and in a box sealed by wax and string .
Do you think I will have any problems taking them as worried I wont be able when get to airport Gstwick airport , thank you .
Hi Tracey
I would advise speaking with Easyjet directly as I am not certain they will accept this urn through security. Easyjet contact page: https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/contact
If you take the ashes in your hand luggage, as these considered to be your on-board ‘allowance’ or can they be in addition? Would I have to pay for them as extra luggage?
I am travelling to Crete with easyJet in September.
Hi Tina
They would need to be within your cabin baggage allowance. However I believe you can upgrade your hand luggage with Easyjet to be able to bring two items on board with you.
Best wishes
My husbands ashes are in a container from the funeral parlour . Will that be suitable to take as hand luggage on a plane?
We think a scatter tube is the best way to transport ashes
Does the death certificate have to be original or can it be a copy
Dear Angela
It is preferable to have the original. However I have never had anyone report to me that they have problems with a copy of a certificate. I am sure you understand I can’t give a definitive answer.
Kind regards
Richard
Can you put ashes in the hold with regular luggage?
As far as we are aware no you can’t. Sorry.
Hi can some one please help I’m travelling to majorca
What item can I take ashes on a plane .
Hi John
Many people use these to transport ashes as in-cabin luggage: https://scattering-ashes.co.uk/product-tag/scatter-tubes/
Thanks
Richard
Thanks for the info as I had no idea how I could take my sisters ashes with us to Benidorm as the last thing she wanted to do was to get a holiday we had no problem at the airport and the staff were very respectful and made it very easy for us to go through with my sisters wishes
Please could I ask Cathy, what ‘container’ did you have them in? Did it have to be non-metallic?