Taking Ashes on a Ryanair Flight: A Complete Guide
Yes, you can take cremated ashes on a Ryanair flight. Ryanair allows ashes in cabin baggage, with a sealed urn and the original death and cremation certificates. This guide covers Ryanair'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
Ryanair permits cremated ashes in cabin baggage as an additional free item, on top of your normal cabin bag allowance. The urn must be made from an x-ray transparent material (wood, ceramic, plastic, marble or glass), securely sealed with a screw top or glued lid, and packaged to withstand turbulence. You must carry copies of the death certificate and cremation certificate. Ryanair does not allow ashes in checked baggage.
Ryanair's cremated ashes policy at a glance
| Aspect | Ryanair policy |
|---|---|
| Allowed in cabin baggage | Yes, as a free additional item |
| Allowed in checked baggage | No, cabin only |
| Documentation required | Death certificate plus cremation certificate (copies accepted) |
| Urn material | Must pass through x-ray. Wood, ceramic, plastic, marble or glass are acceptable |
| Urn sealing | Screw-top lid or glued seal required |
| Advance notification | Not required, but recommended |
| Additional fee | None |
Choosing a Ryanair-compatible urn
Ryanair's policy lists wood, ceramic, plastic, marble and glass as acceptable urn materials, because all of these allow security x-ray scanners to see through and confirm the contents. In practice, the easiest urns to clear security are wood, lightweight ceramic, and biodegradable paper-fibre urns. Marble and stone urns can occasionally raise questions at security depending on the airport scanner, so wood or biodegradable is the safest choice for international travel.
The lid must be sealed properly, either with the urn's own screw-top mechanism or with a strong adhesive. Friction-fit lids that simply press into place do not meet Ryanair's sealing requirement. Pack the urn so it can't move within your cabin bag. Some families wrap it in clothing for cushioning.
Documents you need to carry
Ryanair requires you to have both of the following documents with you during the flight:
- Death certificate. A copy is acceptable for Ryanair, although the original may be required at customs in some destination countries.
- Cremation certificate. Issued by the crematorium, confirming the contents are cremated remains. A copy is fine for Ryanair, but the original is often required for entry into other countries.
Keep both documents in your hand luggage where they're easily accessible. If a check-in agent or security officer asks, hand them over without hesitation.
The Ryanair check-in and security process
At check-in
You don't need to do anything special at check-in beyond your normal procedure. If a Ryanair agent asks about the urn, calmly explain you're travelling with cremated remains and have your documents ready. You don't need to declare the ashes proactively, although doing so often makes the process smoother.
At security
Place the urn on the conveyor with your other carry-on items. The security scanner will pass the urn through an x-ray. Provided the urn material is suitable, the scanner will see the contents clearly and you'll be cleared. Security may ask to see your documents. Have them ready.
Do not try to open the urn yourself for inspection. Sealed cremated remains cannot legally be opened at airport security, and if asked to do so you can politely decline and produce your certificates instead.
On board
Carry the urn in your cabin bag throughout the flight. Most travellers keep it in the bag under the seat in front, where the urn can be cushioned by other items.
At your destination
Customs procedures depend on the country you're entering, not on Ryanair. Some countries will ask you to declare the ashes. Have the cremation and death certificate ready. For specific destination requirements, see our country-by-country guides.
Common Ryanair-specific issues
- Storing ashes in checked baggage by mistake. Ryanair does not permit this. If you've packed the urn in checked, retrieve it at check-in.
- Friction-fit lid urns. If the lid simply presses on and could be popped off, the urn doesn't meet Ryanair's sealing requirement. Use only screw-top or glued urns.
- Forgetting the certificates. Both documents are required by Ryanair's policy. Photocopies satisfy Ryanair, but the original is wise to bring for the destination country.
- Underestimating cabin bag size. Ryanair's free cabin bag allowance is small (40 x 25 x 20 cm). The urn fits in addition to it, but factor the space when packing.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take ashes on a Ryanair flight?
Yes. Ryanair allows cremated ashes in cabin baggage as a free additional item, provided the urn is sealed, packaged securely, and made from a material that passes through an x-ray scanner. You must carry the death certificate and cremation certificate.
Can ashes go in checked luggage on Ryanair?
No. Ryanair only permits cremated ashes in cabin (carry-on) baggage. Checked baggage is not allowed for cremated remains on Ryanair flights.
What documents do I need to fly with ashes on Ryanair?
You need to carry copies of the death certificate and the cremation certificate. Originals are not required by Ryanair, but may be required by customs at your destination, so it's worth carrying them too.
Does Ryanair charge a fee for transporting ashes?
No. Ryanair allows cremated ashes as a free additional cabin item. There is no extra charge or specific booking class required.
Do I need to tell Ryanair in advance that I'm flying with ashes?
No advance notification is required by Ryanair. You can simply arrive at check-in with the urn and your documents. That said, calling ahead can put your mind at ease and ensure gate staff are expecting you.
What kind of urn is Ryanair-approved for travel?
Ryanair accepts urns made from any x-ray transparent material: wood, ceramic, plastic, marble, or glass. The urn must be securely sealed with a screw-top lid or strong adhesive, and well packaged to withstand turbulence. In practice, wood and biodegradable card urns clear security most easily.
Can ashes be in a metal urn on Ryanair?
No. Solid metal urns will not pass through airport x-ray cleanly and Ryanair's policy does not list metal among the acceptable materials. If your loved one's urn is metal, transfer the ashes into a wood, ceramic, plastic or biodegradable travel urn before flying.
Where to go from here
- Browse our travel-safe urns, designed for airline transport
- Read our complete guide on flying with ashes
- Read our hub guide: What to do with ashes after cremation
Last updated: 9 May 2026.
This guide is based on Ryanair's published cremated ashes policy. Airline policies can change without notice. Always verify with Ryanair before travelling: Ryanair Help Centre, Does Ryanair carry ashes/coffins/human remains?
Urns For Angels is a family-run specialist supplier of cremation urns, ashes jewellery, scatter tubes and travel urns, with worldwide shipping.
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