Why the sequence matters more than the cost
Cremation is often presented locally as the simpler and less expensive route, and in narrow terms that is frequently true. What is not always explained at the same moment is that it is irreversible, and that it is sometimes proposed before the family has had a chance to consult anyone at home.
If there is any prospect that the family will want burial of the body, or that religious law applies, nothing should be signed until that has been settled. Waiting costs time. Proceeding costs the option itself.
How ashes travel compared with a body
Transporting ashes is a materially different process. There is no requirement for a sealed zinc-lined coffin, and the consignment is generally far lighter and simpler to route, which is why it is usually less expensive and faster to arrange.
It is not, however, document-free. Most airlines and most receiving countries require the death certificate, a certificate of cremation, and a declaration identifying the contents of the urn. Some require the urn to be of a material that can be screened, and some require it to travel as cargo rather than with a passenger.
What the receiving country may require
Requirements differ considerably. Some countries treat ashes as an ordinary import with minimal formality; others require an import permit or consular authorisation in the same way as for a body, and a few restrict the interment of ashes altogether.
Where the ashes are to be interred rather than kept, the cemetery or burial authority usually has its own requirements, and these are worth confirming before the flight rather than on arrival.
Where religious law is involved
Jewish law regards burial of the body as an obligation and does not permit cremation. Where a family is observant, or where the deceased would have expected a traditional burial, this is the point at which to raise it rather than afterwards.
We say this plainly because the question is usually asked at a moment of exhaustion, often by someone acting alone in a foreign country under pressure from a local provider. Any reasonable provider will wait for a family to consult. A provider who will not wait is telling you something.
This is general information, not advice on a specific case. Requirements differ between countries, between airlines and sometimes between cases. We are a private coordination company, not a government body, embassy or consulate.
Common questions on this subject
Can ashes be carried in hand luggage?
Sometimes, and it depends on the airline and both airports. Where it is allowed, the urn normally has to be screenable and accompanied by the cremation certificate. Other carriers require ashes to travel as cargo. This should be confirmed with the specific airline rather than assumed.
Is cremation and transporting ashes cheaper?
It is usually less expensive than repatriating a body, because it removes the specialised coffin and much of the handling. We do not publish figures, because the total still depends on the country, the local provider and the route.
Can ashes be buried in Israel?
Burial arrangements for ashes in Israel are limited and depend on the burial authority involved. This should be established before a cremation takes place, not after, because the answer may affect the decision itself.
Can a cremation be reversed?
No. This is the reason the decision is treated separately from every other decision in the process.