How to Choose a Casket for Air Freight: A Guide to International Repatriation
Losing a loved one while they are away from home is an incredibly difficult experience. At Eternal Horizon, a trusted international funeral repatriation company based in Singapore, we understand the emotional and logistical challenges families face during this time. One of the most critical steps in bringing your loved one home is choosing the right casket for air freight.
This process is not just about aesthetics; it involves strict international regulations, airline policies, and safety protocols. Here is a compassionate and comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice.
1. Understand International Regulations
When a deceased person is transported internationally via air freight, airlines and destination countries require specific safety measures. The most common requirement is the use of a hermetically sealed casket or a zinc-lined inner container.
- Zinc Lining: Many international regulations mandate that the body be placed inside a zinc or metal liner, which is then hermetically sealed (air-tight and water-tight) before being placed inside the wooden casket.
- Air Pressure: The sealing must be able to withstand changes in cabin pressure during the flight. Some caskets are equipped with pressure relief valves to prevent structural damage.
2. Consider Weight and Size Restrictions
Air freight charges are heavily influenced by weight and dimensions. Furthermore, different airlines and aircraft types have varying cargo door sizes.
- Material Choice: While solid wood caskets (like mahogany or oak) are beautiful, they are significantly heavier and will increase air freight costs. Metal caskets are often lighter and sometimes come with built-in sealing mechanisms.
- Standard Dimensions: Ensure the casket fits within standard airline cargo dimensions. Oversized caskets may require special cargo planes, which can limit flight options and increase costs.
3. Think About the Final Arrangements
How will the casket be used once it arrives at its destination?
- Burial: If the casket will be used for a traditional burial at the destination, ensure that the materials meet the local cemetery regulations.
- Cremation: If your loved one is to be cremated upon arrival, keep in mind that metal caskets or heavily varnished wood caskets may not be suitable for cremation. You may need to select a simple wooden casket or plan to transfer the body into a cremation-approved container upon arrival.
4. The Outer Packing (Air Tray)
Airlines will not transport a casket on its own. It must be placed inside an approved shipping container, typically referred to as an Air Tray or Zeigler Case (if a casket is not used).
- Air Tray: A wooden base with a heavy corrugated cardboard cover that protects the casket from scratches and damage during handling.
- Discretion and Dignity: This packaging ensures that the casket is handled discreetly and respectfully by airport ground staff.
Let Eternal Horizon Guide You
At Eternal Horizon, we believe that you should not have to navigate these complex logistics alone while grieving. Our Singapore-based team of repatriation specialists is intimately familiar with airline regulations, international health requirements, and customs protocols.
We will guide you through selecting a casket that honors your loved one's memory while strictly adhering to all air freight requirements, ensuring a smooth, dignified journey home.
Contact Eternal Horizon today for compassionate, professional international repatriation assistance.