TLC

We're here to help

If it's important to you, it's important to us. We have decades of experience moving your loved ones, so we encourage you to please contact us with any questions or concerns at 1-800-227-4622 or at TLC@aa.com.

Shipping and packing guidelines

Uncremated remains

When shipping uncremated remains, please provide a physician's or health officer's certificate or a burial transit permit. It is required by local, state, government and international regulations. Shipping cadavers for research purposes does not require a burial transit permit. Please contact the state or country officials both at the origin and destination for full details on all regulations and document requirements.

Minimum packaging requirements for uncremated remains

Please secure the remains in a casket (or hermetically sealed casket as required) or alternative container (approved metal container or combination unit) in order to prevent shifting and the escape of strong odors. Caskets and alternative containers must be enclosed in an outer container (airtray) made of wood, particle board, corrugated fiberboard, plastic, or other water repellent material, and must have at least six handles and sufficient rigidity and padding to protect the inner container and contents from damage by ordinary care and handling. Please use new airtrays; used airtrays are not permitted. With certain types of combination units or cremation containers, airtrays may not be required. Containers should be clearly labeled with the following information: Air Waybill number, name of the deceased and the destination.

Unembalmed remains

Dry ice is not necessary to pack unembalmed remains. When using dry ice, remember that it will be subject to dangerous goods shipping regulations. Please secure unembalmed remains in a casket or combo unit or metal container in order to prevent shifting and the escape of strong odors. Please contact the state or country officials both at the origin and destination for full details on all regulations and document requirements.

Cremated remains

When transporting cremated remains, please keep in mind that the acceptance guidelines are slightly different compared to that of uncremated remains. Unless the remains are destined for a burial service, you will not need a burial transit permit. Please contact the state or country officials both at the origin and destination for full details on all regulations and document requirements.

Minimum packaging requirements for cremated remains

• Cremated remains must be contained in a five-millimeter polyurethane bag within cardboard outer packaging.
• A metal container or urn is the preferred method of inner packaging.
• Minimum size requirements (12" x 12" x 12") apply.
• Cremation containers are not acceptable for the transportation of human remains.
• Outer containers should be labeled with the following information:
  • Air Waybill number
  • Name of the deceased
  • Destination

Due to security requirements, no personal items may travel inside of the casket with the remains. All personal effects must be shipped separately. Please ensure the casket is checked before sealing and delivering.

Cutoff times

Noncremated Remains

Domestic shipments must be tendered at least 2 hours prior to flight departure

• Shipments originating at MIA must be tendered 2.5 hours prior to flight departure

International shipments must be tendered at least 4 hours prior to flight departure

• International shipments tendered at a non-gateway must be tendered at least 2 hours prior to flight departure, but must have a minimum 4 hour connection departure time at the gateway
• International shipments originating in Europe or Asia must be tendered at least 4 hours prior to flight departure
  • LIS/MUC must be tendered at least 6 hours prior to departure
• International shipments originating in Canada must be tendered at least 3 hours prior to flight departure

Cremated Remains

Domestic PPS shipments must be tendered at least 2 hours prior to flight departure if tendering at a cargo facility

• If the origin station has a dedicated PPS facility, domestic PPS shipments may be tendered 1 hour prior to flight departure
• If the shipment is tendered at a Baggage Service Office or Ticket Counter, domestic PPS shipments must be tendered 1 hour prior to flight departure

International PPS shipments must be tendered at least 4 hour prior to flight departure if tendering at a cargo facility

• If the origin station has a dedicated PPS facility, domestic PPS shipments may be tendered 1 hour prior to flight departure
• If the shipment is tendered at a Baggage Service Office or Ticket Counter, domestic PPS shipments must be tendered 1 hour prior to flight departure

Airtray information

Airtrays and combinations units must be new. For your convenience, we sell paperboard and adult-sized airtrays (87" x 32" x 23") which meet the requirements for an outside shipping container. Please note that reusing airtrays is not allowed. We do not offer infant airtrays for sale. The cost of an adult-sized airtray is $90 USD.

Airtrays are available for purchase through TLC. Our specialists will verify availability at your originating city and assist with the purchase at the time of your booking.

International guidelines

• Caskets and outer containers (airtrays or wooden boxes depending on the country) are required for all international shipments of human remains. Please ensure you are providing the correct container based on your country of destination.
• All international paperwork must be easily accessible by American Airlines and the receiving party. Paperwork must move with the remains in a document pouch on the outside of the container and cannot travel with the family escorting the remains nor be attached to the inside or outside of the casket.
• For uncremated remains, please secure the remains in a hermetically sealed casket or an approved metal container. Combination units are not accepted to international destinations (with the exception of Canada).

After hours release

Our TLC Specialist Desk will verify the destination airport is open to release your shipment. If closed, we will attempt to arrange an after hours release. Normally, the shipment has to be prepaid to facilitate an after hours release.