Funeral Transportation Guides

Known Shipper Policy

The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) requires all human remains shipments originating in the US or its territories to be tendered by a "known shipper." All airlines accepting human remains for transport must comply with this federal policy which requires all funeral homes to register as a "known shipper" with each airline they use to ship bodies.

Each airline has its own procedures for both the application and possible inspection process, and they may charge an administrative fee. Even if your firm is already a "known shipper," you may still be required to submit an application with each airline you use. You'll want to verify your status with all possible air carriers you might use.

Many funeral homes are already listed in the TSA database, which should make the application process with each airline fairly simple. If your firm is not currently included in the TSA database, some airlines may need to conduct an inspection to ensure the legitimacy of your business.

In order for you to become a known shipper, you must contact each air cargo carrier directly to apply:

Alaska Airlines
800-225-2757

American Airlines
800-228-7878

Continental Airlines
877-878-7826

Frontier Airlines
800-394-2158

United Airlines
800-468-1800