Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size urn do I need?
Just like people and pets, urns come in many different shapes and sizes. Follow this simple rule of thumb to determine the size urn you need:
- What was the approximate body weight of the person or pet you are shopping for?
- 1 lb. of body weight will yield just less than 1 cubic inch of ash. Assume for shopping purposes that:
1 pound body weight = 1 cubic inch ash. - Cremation urn item descriptions list the size of the urn in Cubic Inches. If you know the weight of the deceased - then you know the size of the urn you need. Approx Weight = Approx Size.
- Easy example: A cremated 100 pound person will yield almost 100 cubic inches of ashes. So, if 1 pound = 1 cubic inch then this person would need an urn that is about 80-100 cubic inches.
Some practicle examples:
- a 240 lb. person needs an urn that is 200 cubic inches or larger
- a 200 lb. person needs an urn that is 180 cubic inches or larger
- a 150 lb. person needs an urn that is 130 cubic inches or larger
- a 100 lb. person or pet needs an urn that is 80 cubic inches or larger
- a 50 lb. person or pet needs an urn that is about 40 cubic inches or larger
- a 25 lb. person or pet needs an urn that is about 20 cubic inches or larger
- a 10 lb. or pet needs an urn that is about 8 cubic inches or larger
Urn sizing notes:
- The 1 to 1 ratio of Weight to Cubic Inches will insure you purchase an urn that is the right size 99% of the time.
- Urn capacity can only be too small. An urn is only too big if you think it is too big.
- Cremated remains (ashes) can vary in amount due to different cremation processes, temperature variations and the bone structure of the decedent. Buy an urn slightly larger than calculated to avoid having the urn be to small for the ashes.
- The Cremation Association of North America (CANA) determined that the standard capacity of a single adult urn should be 200 cubic inches. Keepsake urns, Keepsake Jewelry, Small and Medium Size Urns are execeptions.
Traveling With Special Items: Crematory Containers and Deceased Remains
You have two options for carrying a crematory container with you on your flights:
1. Carry-on: Passengers are allowed to carry a crematory container as part of their carry-on luggage, but the container must pass through the X-ray machine. If the container is made of a material that generates an opaque image and prevents the security screener from clearly being able to see what is inside, then the container cannot be allowed through the security checkpoint.
2. Checked Baggage: Passengers may transport an urn or crematory container as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. TSA will screen the urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only.
NOTE: Some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage so please check with your air carrier before attempting to transport a crematory container in checked baggage.
Please note the following additional information:
- Out of respect to the deceased and their family and friends, under no circumstances will a screener open the container even if the passenger requests this be done. Documentation from the funeral home is not sufficient to carry a crematory container through security and onto a plane without screening.
- Crematory Container Materials: Crematory containers are made from many different types of materials, all with varying thickness. At present, TSA cannot state for certain whether your particular crematory container can successfully pass through an x-ray machine. However, TSA suggests that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material such as wood or plastic that can be successfully x-rayed. The TSA will continue to work with funeral home associations to provide additional guidance in the future.
- Please check with your air carrier about other restrictions that may apply.
Published by the TSA – Transportation Security Administration – www.tsatraveltips.us - www.tsa.gov - 866-289-9673
The above cremation urn air travel material comes directly from the US Transportation Security Administration website.
