moved from Goa forum

gramps,
I do know some companies will charge more with it weighing a fare bit, but there is nothing illegal about taking them on board a aircraft.
However with the higher levels of security it can pose a problem in the airport security, but I am sure many other people also do this as a lot of people have this wish.

The best thing to do I would say is ring the Airport them self and ask them if they offer a service for this. I would imagine they will understand and will come to come sort of agreement.

I would not recommend putting them in the hold luggage for the normal reasons ( it could get damaged )
I would just ring the airport and ask them about the security on this type of item.

Z.J.C

Hi Gramps, i don't know which airport your friend will be flying from but i asked my wife about this, she works in security at Gatwick , and she said that it would pose no problem regarding security issues. The ashes would actually show as a dense, grey matter when passing through the x-ray machine and could be pulled over for checking just to determine what it actually is!
Apparently it is not unusual for ashes to taken abroad , so i doubt it will cause surprise.
I'm not aware of how heavy urns are but some people do re-package them in "lighter" containers probably due to the weight issue.
I can't see airlines having a problem with this either as long as you are within the hand luggage guidelines like weight and size.
it is not a prohibited item to take aboard an aircraft , most people would rather carry as hand than check into the hold, i would imagine this would be a combination of "respect" and also the distressing thought that they could get damaged or even lost (god forbid!)
I would reccomend that you also double check with the airport as zjc says and for peace of mind , but there is no reason why this cannot be done.
I hope your friend will feel reassured

When I worked with an international courier company a few years ago, ashes did need some type of authority to be taken abroad but I'm not sure what

There was a thread on the Majorca forum a while back which although specific to Spain might contain some useful information.

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=87570&hilit=ashes

Thanks to all concerned for their imput, I've passed the info on and our friend is much happier now Alan