Taking human ashes int another country

The TSA has some specific requirements. Here is a link to their site.

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

I'd start with the funeral home that arranged for the cremation and see if they can answer questions or guide you to the proper authorities.

Sorry for your loss.

TSA will be just the beginning. Each country has rules for bringing things into the country. Human remains usually have special provisions. Disposing of human remains probably has its own set of rules.

You have three major concerns: getting the remains on the plane, getting the remains through customs in both France and Ireland, and not breaking any laws when you spread the ashes. Two of the three need Irish approval and most likely French so you should work on those as soon as possible.

It does sound difficult. By the way, did you realized you posted this in the Italy section of the RS bulletin board? You might get better answers if you post it in the "To the West" section which includes both France and Ireland.

This topic came up before. The concensus was not to declare the ashes. Put them in a little pouch in your hold luggage and say nothin`. Otherwise you are going to have to jump through hoops for what? The ashes are a sterile substance. Sorry for your loss.

I'm going to disagree with Linda....do not try to sneak them in. Even if you don't think anyone will notice, they just might. It could ruin your entire trip.

Instead of asking on travel boards, why not phone or write the Irish and French consulates, not embassies, in Washington, DC. (Especially since you live there.) They will tell you what you need to know. You might have better luck by just visiting them.

Agree with Frank II. Don't try to get by with any "sneaking". Contact the foreign consulates and find out those countries' rules. You may also need to check into EU rules as they might apply to both countries. I doubt you would get by the TSA trying to "sneak" a box of ashes. They would certainly be suspcious of this foreign substance. You don't want the TSA to confiscate Mom or disturb her ashes in any way. You may have to have a special container and documentation to transport them by air. Check out the TSA and airline rules.

It would not be worth the risk of trying to get by TSA with the ashes. Several times on trips I have found a TSA note in my luggage indicated it had been searched. The "suspicious" object: an apple.