Traveling with Ashes: Indian Domestic Flight Rules

 Ways to Travel with Cremated Remains on Indian Domestic Flights

Traveling with cremated remains, also known as ashes, can be a delicate and emotional process. In India, there are specific guidelines and restrictions to ensure that the transport of cremated remains is handled with respect and care.

The urn should be made of lighter materials such as fiber or clay, as metal urns are not permitted. Additionally, it must be placed inside a box with proper cushioning to ensure safe transport.

In India, after the cremation of a deceased person, the ashes (also known as "cremains") are typically placed in an urn. The urn is often kept at home or taken to a sacred body of water, such as a river, for scattering—a ritual known as "ashes immersion" or "ashes immersion in a holy river." Alternatively, some families may choose to bury the urn in a cemetery or place it in a columbarium, a structure designed to store urns with cremated remains. The customs and traditions for handling cremated remains can vary depending on the religion and culture of the deceased person and their family.

Whether you are carrying ashes for a ceremonial purpose or transporting them to a final resting place, understanding the regulations is crucial. This article provides an overview of how to travel with cremated remains on Indian domestic flights, including airline-specific rules for Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and SpiceJet.

Is There Any Restriction on Carrying Cremated Remains on Indian Domestic Flights?

Yes, there are restrictions and guidelines for carrying cremated remains on Indian domestic flights. It's essential to adhere to these regulations to ensure a smooth and respectful journey. The cremated ashes must be transported in a container that can pass through security screening and meet airline requirements.

Cremated Ashes in Carry-On Bags

When transporting cremated ashes in carry-on bags, the container must pass through security screening. The container should be made of a material that allows security officers to clearly see the contents. Materials like wood, plastic, or non-lead-lined ceramic are typically acceptable. It’s recommended to carry a death certificate and a certificate of cremation to facilitate the process.

Rules by Airline

Air India

Air India allows the transport of cremated remains as carry-on baggage, provided the container passes through security screening. Passengers should inform the airline in advance and carry necessary documentation.

IndiGo

IndiGo permits the carrying of cremated remains in both checked and carry-on baggage. The container must be securely closed and able to pass through X-ray screening. Informing the airline ahead of time and having appropriate documentation is advised.

IndiGo allows the transportation of cremated ashes of human remains and pets in urns on their flights. To carry cremated ashes, passengers must provide the following documents: a death certificate or postmortem certificate, a No Objection Certificate from the local police station, a cremation certificate issued by a government-authorized crematorium, and an indemnity from a medical practitioner stating the deceased is free from infectious disease (this statement is often included on the death certificate). The urn must be made of lighter materials such as fiber or clay, as metal urns are not accepted. Additionally, the urn should be placed inside a box with adequate cushioning to ensure safe transport.

Vistara

Vistara allows passengers to carry cremated remains in carry-on luggage. The container should meet security requirements and passengers should carry relevant documents such as a death certificate and cremation certificate.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet also permits the transport of cremated remains in carry-on baggage. Ensure the container passes through security screening and carry the necessary paperwork to avoid any inconvenience.

Traveling with cremated remains on Indian domestic flights requires understanding and adhering to specific airline guidelines. By ensuring the container can pass through security screening and having all necessary documentation, you can ensure a respectful and smooth journey for your loved one's ashes. Always check with your airline in advance to confirm their specific policies and requirements.

The sacred practice of immersing ashes, known as Asthi Visarjan, holds significant importance in Hindu funeral rites. Seven prominent locations in India—Haridwar, Varanasi, Rameswaram, Allahabad, Gaya, Puri, and Pushkar—provide serene and spiritually charged environments for performing this ceremony with devotion.

Hindus believe that if a deceased person's ashes are immersed in the Ganges at Varanasi, their soul will be transported to heaven, thereby escaping the cycle of rebirth.