Carrying an Urn with Ashes by Plane
What you need to prepare if you want to carry a loved one's urn with ashes to Poland by plane.
What Polish rules say
Ashes in a sealed, damage-resistant container can be carried by any means of transport, in a manner that ensures they are treated with respect (Regulation of the Minister of Health of 27.12.2007, § 6(2)). However, a permit from the starosta (district head) and a certificate from the Polish consul are still needed, just as for a body.
Country of death and the airline
The country of death may have its own requirements: in Ireland the coroner's consent is needed for the export of ashes, in France the consent of the prefecture, and in some German federal states an urn is handed to a private person only under certain conditions. Airlines also have their own rules on carrying urns. Check them before booking, or leave it to us.
Frequently asked questions
Which documents should I carry with me on the journey with the urn?
Usually the death certificate, the cremation certificate, the Polish consul's certificate and confirmation from the funeral home that the urn is hermetically sealed. We confirm the exact list for the country of death.
Can the urn be checked in as luggage?
It depends on the rules of the specific airline. Check them before booking.