Carrying ashes on a Virgin Atlantic flight.
- Ashes must in a temporary or permanent ‘security friendly’ container constructed of a lightweight material such as plastic or wood.
- They must be securely sealed and kept in the passenger’s hand luggage.
- The customer will need copies of the death certificate and cremation certificate.
If the container is made of material that prevents the security screener from being able to see what is inside it will not be allowed to pass through security or be taken on the flight. The security staff are not permitted to open the container even if requested to do so by the passenger so it is important the ashes are properly packed.
Under no circumstances can the screener open the container, even if requested to do so by the passenger.
I am booked on a Virgin Flight on 24th May 2019 (Aircraft Boeing 747-400 departing 11.05) – travelling from Manchester to Key West, Florida (via Atlanta – Aircraft CRJ 700 – Delta Air Lines). My husband wished his ashes to be scattered in Key West, Florida. They are in a sealed container from the Funeral Directors and I have a copy of the death certificate and the cremation certificate. I note that these should be in my hand luggage. Do I just turn up at check in at Manchester or do I need a letter of approval from Virgin or Delta to carry these, or is there anything else I need to do or to bring with me.
We are changing at Atlanta for the final flight to Key West. Do I need to re-apply to Delta.
Any advice you can give me would be gratefully received – Thank you in advance for your help.
Regards
Sandra Beresford
Dear Sandra
That should be fine with the paperwork you have. Make sure the urn is not metal. However we are not the airline and if you are concerned, I would suggest contacting the airline directly.
Kind regards
Richard