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How to Carry Asthi in Flight in India?

If you are travelling on a domestic airline in India, you are permitted to carry cremated remains, that is asthi, in the flight. The ashes must be carried in the cabin and not in the check in baggage, packed in a mud pot or a cloth rather than a metal box, kept to a minimum quantity, and accompanied by the death certificate from the hospital and a certificate from the cremation ground.

Many families need to transport asthi to a holy place such as Varanasi, Prayagraj or Haridwar for the final immersion, and air travel is often the only practical option when the distance is large. While the act of carrying asthi in a flight is permitted on Indian domestic airlines, families are frequently anxious about the rules, especially at the security check. This guide sets out the simple guidelines so that the journey is completed with dignity and without difficulty.

Can you carry asthi in a domestic flight in India?

Yes, on domestic airlines in India, including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa, cremated remains are permitted to be carried in the flight, provided the ashes are carried in the cabin and the family is able to produce the supporting documents if asked.

Guidelines for carrying asthi in flight

Considering the sensitivity of what is being carried, the following points should be observed before and during the journey:

• Carry only a minimum quantity. The airlines do not specify an exact quantity, however it is preferable to keep the ashes to less than 500 grams, which is sufficient for the immersion and is easier to handle during the security check.
• Pack the asthi in a mud pot or a cloth. A metal box should not be used, since metal creates an obstruction in the scanner and leads to questioning and delay at the time of the security check. A mud pot wrapped in a clean cloth is the most suitable arrangement.
• Carry the asthi in the cabin luggage only. Cremated remains are not to be placed in the check in baggage, which means the family must keep the ashes with them inside the cabin for the duration of the flight.
• Carry 2 documents. The first is the death certificate issued by the hospital, and the second is the certificate or document issued by the cremation ground, and both should be kept ready so that they can be shown at the security check if required.

After you reach the destination

Once you reach the holy place, the asthi visarjan is performed at the ghat or at the river as per the family tradition. For families travelling to Kashi, the immersion is arranged at the ghat, and the complete procedure is explained in the guide on Asthi Visarjan in Varanasi. For families travelling to Prayagraj, the immersion is performed at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. For those who would prefer not to travel with the ashes by air at all, the asthi can instead be sent by courier and the immersion performed on their behalf, as set out in the guide on Asthi Visarjan through post.

Conclusion

Carrying asthi in a flight within India is permitted and straightforward, provided the ashes are kept in the cabin in a mud pot or cloth, limited to a minimum quantity, and accompanied by the death certificate and the cremation ground certificate. With these few precautions, the family can travel without difficulty and complete the final rites at the chosen holy place with full dignity.

Note: This information is on the basis of part experiences and feedback of customers. Rules get updated frequently, please check with respective airlines for latest rules and regulations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry ashes in a domestic flight in India?

Yes. Domestic airlines in India, including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet and Akasa, permit cremated remains to be carried in the flight, provided the ashes are carried in the cabin and the supporting documents are available.

Should asthi be carried in cabin or check in baggage?

Asthi should be carried in the cabin luggage only and not in the check in baggage, which means the ashes must remain with you inside the cabin for the duration of the flight.

What documents are needed to carry asthi in a flight?

You should carry 2 documents, namely the death certificate issued by the hospital and the certificate or document issued by the cremation ground, and both should be kept ready to be shown at the security check if required.