Airline Policies on Human Remains

Airline Funeral Shipping Guide

Each airline has specific policies, procedures, and restrictions for transporting human remains. This comprehensive guide covers major carrier requirements, pricing structures, and operational procedures for funeral shipping worldwide.

Understanding Airline Requirements

Known Shipper Requirement

TSA mandate: Only licensed funeral directors with Known Shipper status can ship human remains on passenger aircraft.

IATA Dangerous Goods

Classification: Human remains are classified as IATA Dangerous Goods Category 6.2, requiring special handling procedures.

Container Standards

Specialized containers: Airlines require specific casket types, sealing methods, and documentation for acceptance.

Advance Booking

48-72 hour notice: Most airlines require advance booking with specific documentation before acceptance.

Major US Carriers

Delta Air Lines

Delta Cargo Human Remains Policy:

Acceptance Requirements:

Known Shipper funeral director required, Minimum 48 hours advance notice, Sealed casket with embalming certificate, Complete documentation package.

Container Specifications:

Maximum dimensions: 84” x 28” x 23”, Maximum weight: 500 lbs, Hermetically sealed metal casket required, Proper identification tags mandatory.

Pricing Structure:

Base rate: $1,200-2,800 (domestic), International: $2,500-8,500, Fuel surcharges apply, Seasonal pricing variations.

Routes and Restrictions:

Serves 300+ destinations worldwide, No shipments to embargo countries, Weather delay policies apply, Holiday scheduling restrictions.

Documentation Required:

Death certificate (certified), Embalming certificate, Transit permit/burial permit, Funeral director license verification, Consular approvals (international).

Contact Information:

Reservations: 1-800-352-2746, International: +1-404-715-7365, Emergency: 24/7 operations center.

American Airlines

American Airlines Cargo Policy:

Acceptance Requirements:

Known Shipper status verified, 72 hours advance notice required, Metal casket, hermetically sealed, Temperature requirements met.

Container Specifications:

Maximum dimensions: 82” x 30” x 25”, Maximum weight: 600 lbs, Lead-lined casket for international, Proper labeling and documentation.

Pricing Structure:

Domestic: $1,500-3,200, International: $3,000-9,500, Priority handling available, Volume discounts for funeral homes.

Routes and Coverage:

350+ destinations worldwide, Oneworld alliance partnerships, Codeshare agreements honored, Embargo restrictions apply.

Special Services:

Priority handling available, Family escort coordination, Cultural sensitivity training, Multi-language support.

Contact Information:

Cargo Sales: 1-800-433-1790, International: +1-918-234-2580, Emergency: 24/7 cargo operations.

United Airlines

United Cargo Human Remains Service:

Acceptance Requirements:

TSA Known Shipper verification, 48 hours minimum advance notice, Approved casket specifications, Complete documentation review.

Container Specifications:

Maximum dimensions: 84” x 28” x 24”, Maximum weight: 550 lbs, Sealed metal construction required, Identification requirements strict.

Pricing Structure:

Domestic routes: $1,400-3,000, International: $2,800-8,800, Star Alliance partnerships, Frequent shipper discounts.

Network Coverage:

340+ destinations served, Asia-Pacific strong coverage, European gateway efficiency, Latin America partnerships.

Handling Procedures:

Dedicated cargo team, Temperature-controlled facilities, Cultural accommodation available, Family services coordination.

Contact Information:

Reservations: 1-800-247-4074, Cargo Operations: +1-847-700-5555, Emergency Line: Available 24/7.

International Carriers

European Airlines

British Airways World Cargo:

• Specialization: Europe-US routes, Commonwealth countries
• Requirements: 48-hour notice, sealed casket, documentation
• Pricing: £1,800-4,500 (Europe), £3,200-7,800 (intercontinental)
• Special Features: Royal protocols available, multi-faith accommodation

Lufthansa Cargo:

• Specialization: European hub operations, global network
• Requirements: 72-hour notice, German standards compliance
• Pricing: €2,100-5,200 (Europe), €4,500-9,800 (worldwide)
• Special Features: Pharmaceutical-grade temperature control

Air France-KLM Cargo:

• Specialization: Africa connections, European operations
• Requirements: 48-hour notice, French/Dutch documentation
• Pricing: €1,900-4,800 (Europe), €3,800-8,900 (intercontinental)
• Special Features: Francophone Africa expertise

Asian Carriers

Emirates SkyCargo:

• Specialization: Middle East hub, global connections
• Requirements: 72-hour notice, Islamic compliance available
• Pricing: $2,500-6,800 (regional), $4,200-11,500 (worldwide)
• Special Features: Dubai hub efficiency, cultural sensitivity

Singapore Airlines Cargo:

• Specialization: Asia-Pacific routes, connecting flights
• Requirements: 48-hour notice, tropical climate considerations
• Pricing: $2,200-5,900 (Asia), $3,800-9,200 (worldwide)
• Special Features: Changi hub operations, multi-cultural staff

Cathay Pacific Cargo:

• Specialization: Hong Kong hub, China connections
• Requirements: 48-hour notice, Chinese documentation support
• Pricing: $2,400-6,200 (Asia), $4,100-10,200 (worldwide)
• Special Features: Greater China expertise, cultural protocols

Cargo-Only Airlines

Specialized Freight Carriers

FedEx (Cremated Remains Only):

• Service: Cremated remains only, no intact bodies
• Requirements: FedEx Ship Manager, special packaging
• Pricing: $200-800 (domestic), $400-2,500 (international)
• Restrictions: Maximum 25 lbs, urn specifications required

UPS (Cremated Remains Only):

• Service: Cremated remains only, no intact bodies
• Requirements: UPS account, proper packaging, documentation
• Pricing: $180-650 (domestic), $350-2,200 (international)
• Restrictions: Weight and size limitations, destination restrictions

Caution

Critical Distinction: Major courier services (FedEx, UPS, DHL) can only transport cremated remains. Intact human bodies require passenger airlines with Known Shipper funeral directors.

Regional and Charter Options

Charter Aircraft Services

Specialized Funeral Charter:

• Providers: Multiple operators worldwide
• Capacity: 1-20 caskets depending on aircraft
• Pricing: $15,000-75,000 per flight
• Advantages: Direct routing, family accommodation, cultural flexibility

Medical Repatriation Aircraft:

• Providers: International SOS, Allianz Partners
• Specialization: Medical/funeral combined services
• Pricing: $25,000-150,000 depending on distance
• Features: Medical team, family support, documentation assistance

Regional Airline Partnerships

Regional US Carriers:

• Alaska Airlines, JetBlue (limited routes)
• Southwest Airlines (restricted acceptance)
• Frontier Airlines (case-by-case basis)

International Regional:

• Air Canada (North America)
• Aer Lingus (Ireland-US routes)
• Virgin Atlantic (UK-US routes)
• Qantas (Australia-US routes)

Pricing Factors and Considerations

Cost Variables

Route Factors:

• Distance and number of stops
• Hub airport capabilities
• Seasonal demand fluctuations
• Fuel surcharges and taxes

Service Level:

• Standard cargo service
• Priority/expedited handling
• Temperature-controlled transport
• Family escort accommodation

Documentation Complexity:

• International approvals required
• Translation services needed
• Cultural/religious requirements
• Emergency processing fees

Sample Pricing Ranges

Route Type	Economy Service	Priority Service	Charter Option
US Domestic	$1,200-3,500	$2,000-5,000	$15,000-45,000
US-Europe	$2,500-6,500	$4,000-9,500	$35,000-85,000
US-Asia	$3,500-8,500	$5,500-12,000	$45,000-125,000
US-Latin America	$2,200-5,800	$3,500-8,200	$25,000-65,000
US-Middle East	$4,200-9,800	$6,500-14,500	$55,000-135,000
US-Africa	$4,800-11,500	$7,500-16,000	$65,000-165,000

Operational Procedures

Booking Process

Step 1: Airline Contact

1. Contact cargo reservations 48-72 hours in advance
2. Provide complete itinerary and documentation
3. Confirm aircraft type and routing options
4. Receive booking confirmation and requirements

Step 2: Documentation Submission

1. Submit all required documentation
2. Verification of Known Shipper status
3. Customs and regulatory approval
4. Final booking confirmation

Step 3: Delivery and Acceptance

1. Deliver to airline cargo facility
2. Physical inspection and verification
3. Final documentation review
4. Loading and departure confirmation

Common Complications

Aircraft Type Restrictions:

• Small aircraft cannot accommodate full caskets
• Regional jets have cargo size limitations
• International flights may require specific aircraft

Weather and Operational Delays:

• Winter weather causing cancellations or delays
• Mechanical issues requiring aircraft substitution
• Air traffic control delays affecting connections

Documentation Issues:

• Missing or incorrect paperwork causing rejection
• Customs clearance delays at destination
• Consular approval timing mismatches

Handling Problems:

• Airport facility limitations
• Cultural sensitivity issues
• Family coordination challenges

Professional Coordination Services

Note

Complete Airline Coordination: Our operations team maintains direct relationships with cargo managers at 50+ airlines worldwide. We handle all booking, documentation, and coordination requirements, ensuring optimal routing and pricing for each shipment.

Services Included:

• Multi-airline pricing comparison
• Route optimization and scheduling
• Documentation preparation and submission
• Real-time tracking and updates
• Emergency rerouting coordination
• Family communication throughout process

24/7 Operations Support:

• Emergency Line: +1 (617) 306-2716
• Operations Center: Live tracking dashboard
• Family Support: Direct communication channel
• Crisis Response: Immediate alternative arrangements

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Airline policies and pricing change frequently due to operational requirements, security updates, and market conditions. Our airline coordination specialists maintain current agreements and procedures with all major carriers for optimal service delivery.