Taking Uncle's ashes from USA to Scotland for scattering on Clan soil?

You will have to research both TSA in terms of what you can carry on the plane as well as what the UK will let you bring in to their country and for what purpose.

You have a couple of questions.

First for TSA, can I carry on or check human remains? If not, can I ship human remains on my flight?

Second, for UK customs, will the UK let me bring in human remains? If so, will they let me dispose of the remains myself or do I need to use a funeral home? Do I need a license or permit for this?

Although it's possible that it's perfectly alright to carry on remains, clear customs and dispose of them as you wish, I really doubt it will be that simple.

I wouldn't advise trying it if you aren't sure it's okay. The worst possible outcome would be to have the remains seized and be refused entry, fined or charged with a crime.

I can't answer half of the questions but I do know you need to inform the airline. Your Uncle's ashes are classed as 'Human Remains' and there are regulations about the carriage of human remains that have to be adhered to.

The TSA's rules are here:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1296.shtm

As far as Scotland, you should contact the owners or caretaker (i.e. NT of Scotland, Scottish Goverment, Scottish Heritage etc.) of the land or shore where you intend to spread the ashes. It would not be legal to scatter ashes on private property without permission, and there may well be regulations about scattering ashes in parks/wildlife areas.

I know that for instance, they are severely discouraging the scattering of ashes on many of the popular mountains because the quantities of ashes scattered have been affecting the natural habitats.

Cynthia,

What a wonderful gesture! He must have been a very special Uncle. I hope it all works out for you.
I'd suggest you also check the Airline's website and call Customer Care if you have further questions.

While I'm not in the US but Canada, I have known other Passengers to transport loved ones ashes to spread abroad.

It's actually more common than I had originally thought.

Two years ago my brother-in-law's mother died in Sweden and had her ashes brought back to the U.S. for a memorial service, and then was taken back to her family home in France to have her ashes scattered. I don't know what kind of permissions everyone got, but I do know her urn was packed in the carry-on luggage, and no one had any difficulty. MaMere did have an American and a French passport if that makes any difference.

It's probably best not to discuss your plans with your seatmate. Thus, the case in point:

I remember my ex brought home a story that a Passenger held on to her son's ashes in an urn for the duration of the flight. She told her seatmate of her plans and it kind of freaked her out. He ended up having to relocate a family around her which was no easy task considering it was a completely full flight.

Some people are sensitive or just like to complain. Many like to complain not just to be heard but to see if there can be a little something in it for them. Just the same, descretion is key.