Twyla Shannahan expressed dismay over the temporary separation from her late husband’s ashes during a flight from Alberta to Newfoundland. The widow from Alberta is demanding an inquiry following an incident where Air Canada misplaced her husband’s cremated remains after insisting she stow them in a checked bag instead of carrying them on board.
Shannahan emphasized the significance of her husband’s ashes, stating, “This is not luggage, this is a human being. This is my husband, and he wasn’t treated appropriately.” She intended to scatter her husband’s ashes in the ocean, as per his wishes, as they had spent years traveling together, but Newfoundland held a special place in his heart.
Despite diligently preparing all the necessary documentation and confirming with Air Canada in advance to comply with regulations for carrying ashes in her carry-on baggage, Shannahan encountered a setback at Edmonton International Airport. She was instructed by an Air Canada agent to place the ashes in a checked bag due to purported “new rules.”
Upon arrival in St. John’s, Shannahan discovered that the bag containing the ashes was missing, leading to distress and feelings of failure. The remains had been inadvertently sent to Montreal, prompting a delay in their return. Despite the airline offering to courier the ashes, Shannahan insisted on retrieving them personally, highlighting the flaw in the system and stressing the need for change to prevent similar incidents affecting other families.
According to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), while carrying cremated remains in carry-on luggage is generally allowed, security screening feasibility determines if alternative arrangements, such as checking the container with the airline, are required. CATSA officials acknowledged the sensitivity of such situations and pledged to uphold regulations while treating passengers and their loved ones with respect.
Air Canada officials also confirmed the acceptance of cremated remains as carry-on, provided they comply with security protocols. The airline expressed regret over the delay in delivering Shannahan’s checked baggage containing the remains and issued an apology along with a $200 travel voucher as a goodwill gesture.
Despite successfully fulfilling her husband’s final wish by scattering his ashes in Newfoundland, Shannahan remains dissatisfied with Air Canada’s response, perceiving the airline’s handling of the situation as inadequate and insensitive. She urged for a thorough investigation, meaningful compensation, and policy revisions to prevent similar incidents in the future, underscoring the emotional toll such mishaps impose on grieving families.