Taking Cremation Ashes on a Ryanair Plane

When a loved one dies, and you are responsible for taking care of the cremated ashes following their cremation, there are many considerations you may never have thought about until you are in that situation. One in particular that can be pretty confusing and intimidating is how to transport the cremated ashes of a loved one when you need to take them to another part of the UK or somewhere international.

As one of the most affordable and popular airlines operating in the UK, Ryanair is the go-to airline for many people looking to avoid spending the higher rates for flights other companies offer. Can you use Ryanair if you need to transport the cremated ashes of a loved one? That is what we investigated, and in this post, we will highlight the essential guidelines and regulations that Ryanair expects all its passengers to adhere to when transporting cremated ashes.

Can Cremated Ashes Be Taken On a Ryanair Flight?

First, the answer is yes. You can take the cremated ashes of a deceased loved one on a Ryanair flight. However, you should be aware of and adhere to a number of key rules and regulations to avoid any anxiety, stress, or complications when flying.

Ryanair strictly forbids the storage of cremated ashes in the hold luggage and only allows them to be stored within the cabin luggage. This is the safest way to transport cremated ashes by air. When you carry them with you, you mitigate the potential danger of damage to the aircraft and can avoid the possibility of Ryanair losing them accidentally (as sometimes happens with all cargo)

You need to travel with a copy of the official death certificate and cremation certificate related to the cremated ashes. It is recommended that you have at least two copies of these in person.

The cremated ashes of your deceased loved one should be transported in an appropriate container made from a non-metallic material and be durable to protect against accidental breakage at any point during the flight. Particularly during any turbulence you may experience.

The cremated ashes of your deceased loved one must be transported in an urn or other particular container that can be scannable. This is so airport security can scan the contents. You cannot take them past the checkpoint if they cannot see what’s inside the urn or container. Some people prefer to use a scatter tube or a simple plastic container when transporting cremated ashes by plane. It will depend on what you feel most comfortable with.

Although Ryanair’s website states that the container or urn should have a screw-top style lid. We have it on good authority from the company that as long as it is tightly sealed and well-packed, it will be suitable for a Ryanair flight.

Ryanair Restrictions for Travelling With an Urn by Plane

While Ryanair permits you to transport the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one on a Ryanair flight in an urn, you must follow the following guidelines:

• The urn or container should be robust and packaged to protect against any damage, shock, or turbulence during the flight.
• The urn or container holding the ashes should be made from materials that can be scanned by airline security X-ray machines. These include glass urns, wood urns, marble urns, ceramic urns, and plastic urns, to name a few.
• While a screw-top lid is not necessary, it should be sealed or glued using a strong adhesive to prevent accidental spillages or damage during the flight.
• As long as you have the appropriate paperwork mentioned above. You should take the urn or container holding the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one with you onto the plane and keep it during the flight or store it in a carry-on piece of luggage.
• Ensure that it falls within the cabin baggage weight restriction for Ryanair flights, a maximum of 10 kg.
• Ensure the urn or container holding the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one falls within the cabin baggage size restrictions for Ryanair flights.

Understanding the Baggage Allowance for Ryanair Flights

When you fly with Ryanair, you are permitted to have one small personal bag that measures 40 × 25 × 20 cm. This bag should be stored beneath the seat directly in front of your own. It is important that the urn or special container holding the cremated ashes can fit inside that bag.

You can increase the bag allowance to 55 × 40 × 20 cm for an additional charge.

If, instead, you decide to carry the urn or container holding the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one in your hand, you should make sure it fits into Ryanair's small personal bag allowance of 40 × 25 × 20 cm.

NB: We recommend that you choose a very robust urn or alternative special container to carry the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one on a Ryanair flight. It is essential to note that many Ryanair planes can be very cramped. If you are carrying the urn or container in standard cabin baggage, you will need to place it under the seat directly in front of your own.

Where Can You Fly With Cremated Ashes On a Ryanair Plane?

Ryanair permits its passengers to fly with the cremated ashes of loved ones to all their usual destinations. However, while it is possible to fly to all these destinations, every country has different regulations, restrictions, and rules related to the transportation of cremated ashes. It is always best to research before booking flights to ensure you can travel to a specific destination with ashes and the rules you need to follow.

Many countries require additional paperwork and documentation that Ryanair does not need. Customs may confiscate the ashes if you arrive at your destination without the appropriate documentation and paperwork. So, constantly research ahead of time when arranging your travel.

We always recommend that you contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the destination country you intend to travel to with ashes so you fully understand the paperwork and documentation you should carry with you. This will give you peace of mind and ensure you do not get into trouble, face potential fines, or have the ashes confiscated.

To summarise, if you are looking to use Ryanair to transport the cremated ashes of your deceased loved one either within the UK or somewhere international, you can do so. As long as you keep in mind the rules and regulations we have outlined above. It is also essential to remember that the destination country may have its own rules and regulations that you must follow. You should avoid any issues by taking a thorough approach to researching and having a patient attitude. We know how time-sensitive it can all feel when transporting cremated ashes, but what is more important – doing it quickly or correctly?