Can I take cremated remains or an urn when I fly with British Airways?

Last updated: 24 April, 2024

We're so sorry that you've lost a loved one and are now taking them on a journey to their final resting place.

You can take cremated remains (ashes) onto our flights in either your hand baggage or checked baggage as part of your allowance. You don't need to let us know in advance, we just ask that, in order to comply with regulations, you carry with you a Certificate of Death and Certificate of Cremation or other country-specific equivalent. Please be aware that this document must have been issued by a competent/official authority from your country of departure.

We ask you to place the remains in a tightly-sealed and sturdy outer box or case. If you're carrying them in your hand baggage, we need to advise you that full security procedures will still have to be followed in the airport and the sealed box or urn must be X-rayed by the airport security team. Because of this, it's very important to know that if your urn or container is made of a material that prevents the X-ray screener from clearly being able to see what’s inside, then the container won't be allowed through with you. It's policy at airport security locations to not open any urns and look inside, out of respect for the person who has passed.

Our IAG Cargo team can also help with travel arrangements for human remains, including flying your loved one(s) home in a coffin. The coffin doesn't need to be accompanied by a family member or friend on the same flight. More information on this is available here.

Contact IAG Cargo if you have any further questions.