Shipping a Loved One

One of the most common questions we get when booking an ash scattering service is how to ensure the ashes arrive safely to Hawaii.

Most of our families have been holding onto the ashes of a loved one for awhile, sometimes even years, and when it comes to finally making the arrangements to say goodbye, have a hard time with the entire process let alone trusting an outside source with handing the ashes and ensuring they arrive safely in Hawaii for the memorial service. 

Some families decide to travel with the ashes, which you have every right to do under current TSA Regulations. However, if the cremains are traveling in a metal urn, or one that prevents TSA from seeing inside of the container you will not be allowed to carry on your loved one's ashes. 

From TSA's website: 

"Out of respect to the deceased and their family and friends, under no circumstances will an officer 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. 

You may transport the urn as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. We will screen the urn for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only.  

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.  

Crematory containers are made from many different types of materials, all with varying thickness. At present, we cannot state for certain whether your particular crematory container can successfully pass through an X-ray machine. However, we suggest 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."

Sounds like a lot of headache doesn't it?? 

Hawaii Ash Scatterings recommends on our site the use of USPS Priority Registered Mail. Most cremain containers the funeral homes provide fit nicely into the Flat Rate boxes provided for free at post offices across the US. Priority Boxes are also available for International customers. We recommend that you also request a Signature Confirmation to ensure that a representative of Hawaii Ash Scatterings received the ashes and they aren't left out in the elements but are brought into our secured home office. 

By shipping Priority Registered Mail through the United States Postal Service, you ensure your loved one's ashes will arrive quickly, as well as through a reliable and economical method of shipment. With tracking and/or signature confirmation you can have peace of mind that your loved one's ashes have arrived safely and are being handled by experienced professionals in the preparation for your cruise. 

**For outer island and non-floral services, shipping methods are slightly different, so please inquire directly with Hawaii Ash Scatterings for more information.