Article: Taking Ashes on a Jet2 Flight: A Complete Guide

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Haven Candle keepsake urn in a living room

May 9, 2026airline guide

Taking Ashes on a Jet2 Flight: A Complete Guide

Haven Candle keepsake urn in a living room

Yes, you can take cremated ashes on a Jet2 flight. Jet2 allows ashes in cabin (hand) baggage only, with a non-metallic urn and the original death certificate. Jet2 also explicitly allows pet and animal ashes alongside human cremated remains. This guide covers Jet2's exact policy, what kind of urn passes their checks, the documents you need, and what to expect at check-in and security.

Quick answer

Jet2 permits cremated ashes (human or animal) in cabin baggage only, within the standard hand luggage allowance of 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 10 kg. The urn must be non-metallic so it can pass through airport x-ray, securely sealed, and robust enough to survive being moved to the hold if cabin space runs out. You must carry a copy of the death certificate. Jet2 recommends informing them in advance and does not charge any additional fee.

Jet2's cremated ashes policy at a glance

Aspect	Jet2 policy
Allowed in cabin baggage	Yes (within 56 x 45 x 25 cm, 10 kg allowance)
Allowed in checked baggage	No, cabin only
Pet or animal ashes	Allowed alongside human ashes
Documentation required	Copy of death certificate (cremation certificate strongly recommended)
Urn material	Non-metallic, x-ray friendly
Urn sealing	Securely sealed, robust outer packaging
Advance notification	Recommended
Additional fee	None

The Jet2-specific detail to know: hand luggage may go to the hold

Jet2 reserves the right to move hand luggage into the hold during boarding if cabin space is limited. For most travellers this is just an inconvenience, but for cremated remains it's a meaningful risk: the urn could be subject to rougher handling than you'd want.

The practical answer is to choose an urn that is robust as well as non-metallic, and to pack it well within your cabin bag using clothing as cushioning. If you're using a smaller personal item bag (rather than a full cabin allowance), the urn is less likely to be moved to the hold because smaller bags fit under the seat in front.

Choosing a Jet2-compatible urn

Jet2's policy requires a non-metallic urn so it can pass through airport x-ray. Wood, ceramic, plastic, glass, and biodegradable card all meet this requirement. Avoid metal, marble, granite, or any lead-lined urn.

Given the risk of the bag being moved to the hold, lightweight and shock-resistant urns are the best choice for Jet2. Wood, biodegradable card, and lightweight ceramic are all good options. Glass urns are technically permitted but more vulnerable to breakage.

The urn must be securely sealed (screw-top or glued lid) and packed within a sturdy outer bag.

Browse our travel-safe urns →

Documents you need to carry

Jet2's published guidance specifies one document, but in practice you should carry both:

Death certificate (required by Jet2). A copy is acceptable.
Cremation certificate (strongly recommended). Issued by the crematorium, confirming the contents are cremated remains. Jet2 doesn't explicitly list it, but most destination countries require it at customs, so always bring it.

Keep both documents in your hand luggage where they're easily accessible.

The Jet2 check-in and security process

Before you fly

Jet2 recommends letting them know in advance that you're flying with ashes. You can do this through their customer service line or via the Manage My Booking page. Although it's not strictly required, advance notification helps Jet2 plan and reduces the chance of complications at the airport.

At check-in

If a Jet2 agent asks about the urn at check-in, calmly explain you're travelling with cremated remains and have your documents ready. If you've been advised to use a smaller bag to keep the urn out of the hold, this is the moment to confirm.

At security

Place the urn on the conveyor with your other carry-on items. Provided the material is non-metallic, the scanner will see the contents clearly and you'll be cleared. Have your certificates ready in case security asks. Telling security you're carrying ashes before screening can speed things up.

On board

Carry the urn in your cabin bag throughout the flight. Most travellers store it under the seat in front rather than in the overhead, both because it's less likely to be moved to the hold and because the urn can be cushioned by other items under the seat.

At your destination

Customs procedures depend on the country you're entering, not on Jet2. Have the death and cremation certificates ready. Most destinations also charge a customs clearance fee on cremated remains. Check the rules for your destination country before you fly.

Common Jet2-specific issues

Hand luggage moved to hold. Jet2 reserves this right when cabin space is tight. Choose a robust, lightweight urn and pack it cushioned. Using a smaller personal item bag (under the seat) reduces this risk.
Choosing a heavy or fragile urn. Stone, marble or granite urns are impractical for Jet2's 10 kg cabin weight limit. Glass urns are non-metallic but fragile. Wood or biodegradable card is the most practical choice.
Forgetting to inform Jet2 in advance. Although not strictly required, advance notification is recommended in their guidance.
Missing the cremation certificate. Jet2 only specifies a death certificate, but most destinations require both. Always bring the cremation certificate too.
Underestimating destination customs fees. Most countries charge a fee for cremated remains entering. Budget for it.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take ashes on a Jet2 flight?

Yes. Jet2 allows cremated ashes (human or animal) in cabin baggage only, within their standard hand luggage allowance of 56 x 45 x 25 cm and 10 kg. The urn must be non-metallic and securely sealed, and you must carry a copy of the death certificate.

Can ashes go in checked luggage on Jet2?

No. Jet2 only permits cremated ashes in cabin (hand) baggage. Note that Jet2 reserves the right to move hand luggage to the hold during boarding if cabin space runs out, so a robust urn is recommended.

What documents do I need to fly with ashes on Jet2?

Jet2's published policy specifies a copy of the death certificate. In practice, you should also carry the cremation certificate, as it's required by customs at most destination countries.

Does Jet2 allow pet ashes?

Yes. Jet2 explicitly allows both human and animal cremated remains, subject to the same rules: non-metallic urn, securely sealed, in cabin baggage only.

Does Jet2 charge a fee for transporting ashes?

No. Jet2 does not charge any additional fee for transporting cremated remains. However, most destination countries charge customs clearance fees on incoming ashes.

Do I need to tell Jet2 in advance that I'm flying with ashes?

Jet2 recommends advance notification, although it isn't strictly required. You can do this through their customer service line or the Manage My Booking page.

What kind of urn does Jet2 allow?

Jet2 requires a non-metallic urn that passes through airport x-ray. Wood, ceramic, plastic, glass, or biodegradable card are all acceptable. Avoid metal, marble, granite, or lead-lined urns. Lightweight and robust materials are best given the risk of the bag being moved to the hold.

What happens if Jet2 puts my hand luggage in the hold?

Jet2 reserves the right to move hand luggage to the hold when cabin space is limited. To minimise risk to the urn, choose a sturdy non-metallic urn (wood or biodegradable card is ideal), pack it well-cushioned with clothing inside your bag, and consider using a smaller personal item bag that fits under the seat in front rather than a full-size cabin bag.

Where to go from here

Last updated: 9 May 2026.

This guide is based on Jet2's published cremated remains guidance. Airline policies can change without notice. Always verify with Jet2 directly before travelling: Jet2 Help & FAQs.

Urns For Angels is a family-run specialist supplier of cremation urns, ashes jewellery, scatter tubes and travel urns, with worldwide shipping.

Written by Paul Levy