The loss of a loved one is always challenging, and navigating the logistics of bringing them home from abroad can feel overwhelming. The added complexities of a death abroad will no doubt raise lots of questions and the main ones will be focused around the smoothest ways to get the loved one’s remains home for a fitting burial.
If repatriation involves air travel, understanding airline policies on transporting the deceased is crucial. Now, it’s important to make you aware that all airlines will have slightly differing policies and all countries will have different procedures around things such as embalming and the types of documentation required.
The purpose of this guide is not to provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of all airlines and what will be needed all of the time. It is, however, designed to give you a general idea of the documentation and procedures that you might need and expect when transporting a loved one home and where you might need to ask for support or guidance. With all repatriation processes, you will need to check with the country’s specific guidelines as well as the airline’s. For a thorough breakdown of each country’s requirements, please view this excellent government resource : https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/death-abroad-bereavement-packs
Types of Remains for Transport
When organising the transportation of remains back home, this typically either a body repatriation or ashes repatriation, after a cremation is held abroad. Ashes repatriation is typically easier to arrange but in order for family and friends to attend a funeral service, a body repatriation may be the preferred route.
- Casketed Remains: A body prepared for burial, placed in a casket, and secured in a suitable container for transport. This typically requires a zinc lined coffin and the body to be embalmed.
- Cremated Remains: Ashes are usually transported in a secured urn, often as carry-on luggage, depending on the airline’s policy.
Airline Requirements for Human Remains
Each airline has its own policies, but most have common requirements, including:
- Death Certificate: A certified copy of the death certificate is mandatory. The local authorities will provide you with a death certificate and as many copies as you require, we typically recommend an extra 2 copies.
- Embalming Certificate: For international flights, embalming is typically required to prevent health risks and comply with import regulations of the destination country. This differs from country to country but all bodies being transported outside of the UK are required to be embalmed by law.
- Cremation Certificate (if applicable): This is necessary for transporting cremated remains.
- Funeral Home Documentation: Airlines may require paperwork from a funeral director or mortuary ensuring proper preparation of the remains.
- Non-Contraband Container: For cremated remains, urns must be x-ray scannable. Non-metallic urns are preferred.
Steps to Arrange Air Transport
- Contact the Airline Early: Notify the airline as soon as possible. Many require advance notice and may have a designated team to handle repatriation cases.
- Work with a Funeral Director: Funeral homes are familiar with repatriation and can assist in coordinating with airlines, preparing the necessary documents, and packaging remains appropriately.
- Book Cargo Services: Most airlines transport casketed remains as cargo, not as checked luggage. This requires coordination with the airline’s cargo department.
- Check Destination Requirements: Research the destination country’s regulations for importing human remains, as additional permits or clearances may be required.
Major Airline Policies
Here’s a general overview of policies from some prominent airlines (always verify specifics with the airline):
- American Airlines: Requires advanced arrangements through their cargo service, with strict documentation and embalming requirements for international transport.
- Delta Airlines: Offers a specialized team to assist with arrangements and requires proper documentation, including a death certificate and embalming certificate.
- Emirates Airlines: Provides global human remains transportation but emphasizes adherence to the destination country’s regulations.
- British Airways: Allows both casketed and cremated remains for transport, with specific packaging and documentation requirements.
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Consider Insurance: Some travel insurance policies cover repatriation costs. Check the policy’s terms before traveling.
- Choose a Repatriation Specialist: Companies specialising in international body repatriation can handle airline coordination, paperwork, and logistics.
- Plan for Delays: Customs and regulatory clearances may cause delays. Prepare for this possibility, especially during holidays or in regions with strict import laws.
Transporting Cremated Remains
Transporting ashes home is generally simpler than transporting a body. For more information, please view our guide to repatriating ashes. Many airlines allow urns to be carried as hand luggage, provided they meet the following conditions:
- The urn is x-ray transparent.
- Documentation, such as a death certificate and cremation certificate, is provided.
- Advance notice is given to the airline.
Transporting a deceased loved one by air is a delicate process requiring attention to detail and adherence to regulations. Always contact the airline directly to confirm their specific requirements and consider seeking help from a professional repatriation service to manage the complexities on your behalf. We are available 24/7 to provide support or organise the repatriation of a loved one home.
