Procedure for Transporting Cremated Remains by Air from A to Z

In the event of a distant family member’s passing or if a family wishes to transfer the cremated remains back home, air transport becomes a necessary option. Compared to ground transport, air travel saves time, especially when the geographic distance is vast.To address questions surrounding the procedure for transporting cremated remains by air, let’s explore the topic together with Vietjet in this article!

In many cases, families whose loved ones pass away far from home wish to bring the remains back by plane to reunite with family members.

1. Can cremated remains be brought on a plane?

According to regulations of certain airlines in Vietnam, the remains of a deceased person may be transported in the form of cremated remains or bones. Depending on the airline and whether it's a domestic or international flight, there may be different requirements and transportation methods. Generally, most airlines share similar regulations for transporting cremated remains.

2. Important regulations to note before proceeding with the transportation of cremated remains by air

The remains of the deceased are allowed to be transported in the form of cremated remains or bones, with specific regulations and guidelines to ensure proper packaging and safety.

2.1 Cremated remains

Cremated remains are allowed to be transported as Checked Baggage or Carry-on Baggage by many airlines. Depending on the size, weight, or the passenger’s preference and the airline’s requirements, passengers can choose the appropriate transportation method. To bring cremated remains on a plane, passengers must comply with the following requirements:

Obtain a quarantine certificate from a provincial/city health authority.
The remains must be transported in a cremation urn, sealed airtight, and properly wrapped in a secure material.

The cremation urn must be airtight, securely wrapped, and capable of withstanding impacts during transport.

2.2 Remains in the form of bones

For remains in the form of bones, there are additional regulations to consider before transporting them by air. Most airlines only allow the transportation of remains as Cargo or Checked Baggage on domestic flights. The following conditions must be met to transport remains by air:

Passengers must have a prior agreement with the airline.
Obtain a quarantine certificate from a provincial/city health authority.
The remains must be securely packaged according to quarantine requirements.
The remains must be placed in a hard case to prevent breakage, odor, etc., during transport.

3. Guidelines for transporting cremated remains by air

Depending on whether the flight is domestic or international, there will be different requirements for documents and procedures to bring remains on the plane. Passengers should ensure all necessary documents are prepared to facilitate the transportation of cremated remains.

Passengers must prepare several different documents to bring cremated remains on a plane.

3.1 Procedure for transporting cremated remains on domestic flights

The air ticket of the person transporting the remains.
A quarantine certificate from a provincial/city health authority.
The ID or Citizen ID of the person processing the transport.
Proof of kinship (birth certificate, household registration, or marriage certificate) or a notarized statement confirming the relationship with the deceased.
Death certificate, extract of death registration, or transfer record of the remains from the family.
Invoice, certificate, or handover record from the crematorium.
A certificate of place of keeping the cremated remains, if kept in a temple or church.
Transport request form.
Transport commitment form.

3.2 Procedure for transporting remains on international flights

The air ticket of the person transporting the remains.
A quarantine certificate from a provincial/city health authority.
Death certificate.
Cremation certificate issued by the relevant authority.
Passport or travel document of the person requesting permission to transport the remains.
Proof of kinship or a notarized statement confirming the relationship with the deceased.
Permanent residence permit in Vietnam for the deceased if they were a foreign national residing in Vietnam.
Request form to bring the remains back to Vietnam.
Request form for permission to transport the remains for burial, with confirmation from the relevant authority

Important notes when transporting cremated remains on international flightsPassengers must contact the destination and transit countries in advance for approval before proceeding. In addition, they must inform the airline and receive consent for transporting the cremated remains.These are the key points and guidelines for transporting cremated remains by air. Vietjet hopes that passengers with such needs, whether bringing remains home or relocating them, can refer to this article for a smooth flight.At Vietjet, cremated remains are allowed to be transported by air, but certain regulations apply. In some cases, remains may be transported as Checked Baggage or Carry-on Baggage if packed according to the specified transport standards:

The remains must be stored in a cremation urn and placed in a box.
The container must be sturdy and airtight.
A death certificate and a health quarantine certificate are required.

Vietjet is one of the airlines that allow the transportation of cremated remains by air.

Cremated remains can be transported as Checked Baggage or Carry-on Baggage. Costs will vary depending on whether it is Checked or Carry-on Baggage, as determined by the airline.

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