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Can I Take Ashes Overseas?
08, Sep 2021
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When a loved one passes away in a country separate from their birthplace, or if the deceased wished to be laid to rest in an area that is located overseas, it can be a confusing situation to deal with. You may be concerned if an airline would allow ashes to be carried onboard or if the container the ashes are in is sturdy enough to ensure a safe passage overseas.
If you have wondered about this situation, we will answer your questions and quell any fears or concerns you may have. So keep on reading to learn more about how you can take your loved one’s ashes to where they need to be.
So, Can I Take Ashes Overseas?
If you are looking to travel with or transport a departed person’s ashes overseas, you are in luck! Ashes can be transported overseas as carry-on luggage. Additionally, it is recommended that you keep your ashes in a sturdy, secure and durable container to avoid the container breaking and the ashes getting out.
When you travel with carry-on and checked-in luggage, there are always risks involved. Even with thorough security, bags and personal items are lost, stolen and misplaced every day.
Because ashes from a cremated loved one are so important, it is strongly recommended that you keep the luggage the ashes are stored in close to you until you reach your destination. Make sure the container the ashes are in is secure, your luggage is protected and that you are careful not to misplace the baggage.
How Do I Take Ashes Onto An Aeroplane?
When checking in your luggage that contains the ashes, you will need to provide documentation that proves the contents of your luggage. This documentation would include a death certificate and a certificate of cremation.
Before travelling with ashes, you should make sure you have all of these documents on hand for when you will need them. It would be best if you were sure that these documents are somewhere safe.
Because airport security is so crucial to the safety of the passengers on the flight, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that the contents of your luggage are as you say they are. The security personnel will x-ray and screen the container to determine the validity of the contents.
Why Should I Choose To Transport Ashes?
There are many different reasons why someone might want to transport their departed loved one’s ashes out of New Zealand. Of course, these reasons could be profoundly personal and related to the departed’s wishes of how they wanted to be sent off.
If the deceased had a specific wish to have their ashes taken out of New Zealand to a particular place for their remains to be scattered, naturally, you would need to transport their cremated remains to that location.
Additionally, if the deceased had been born overseas and had passed in New Zealand, their family overseas may want to scatter their ashes in their native country. If so, you also have the option to transport the ashes overseas via an aeroplane.
For example, we are currently working with a couple who wish to return to the Cook Islands once they pass away. The husband and wife have decided that whichever of them passes away first will be cremated, and the remaining partner will keep their ashes. When the remaining partner eventually passes away, their body will be returned to the Cook Islands. Finally, they will be buried together with the first partner’s ashes resting in the second’s casket back in their homeland.
Overall, this is a very personal and cost-effective way to return to their home without sacrificing time together. Even after death, the two will always be together.
Why Should I Choose Cremation Over Other Methods?
Choosing the method in which your loved one’s body is taken care of can also be an incredibly tough decision. You and your family should take the time to think about this decision and decide which way would adequately honour the departed as best as you can.
If you are thinking of transporting your deceased loved one’s remains overseas, then cremating their body is a good idea. When transporting cremated remains, you will be able to personally keep a close eye on the significant container and make sure that it reaches its destination safely and securely.
Where Can I Speak To Someone About Funeral Services?
Managing anything to do with funeral services or a loved one’s ashes can be emotionally tasking for anyone to handle. Documentation can be confusing, details may be hard to understand, and comforting friends and family can be taxing – all while dealing with grief yourself.
Here at Lagoon Funeral Services, we understand that these times can be very challenging to deal with on your own. Therefore, we are prepared to offer our services and help you with every step along the way.
If you would like to talk to us and have your funeral service needs met, please get in touch with us at 09 527 1866. Our team will handle your situation with compassion and care to make the process as hassle-free as possible.