Bringing my dead brother back to the UK...

[PhilBy]

Can anyone advise on bringing a deceased relative back to the UK. It will be a long haul flight from Western Canada and as I will also be on the flight not sure if I need to enquire as cargo or excessive bagage.

Thank you.

[poltergeist]

I would be more inclined towards excess baggage. which company are you thinking? I would hate to think how much they will charge you though

[VHG]

This must be a very sad time for you.

Surely someone in the UK Embassy in Canada, or from the undertakers in Canada, or from the airline, can advise you. There must be SOME official web site giving details somewhere.

Also, you will have to use a UK based undertakers to bury him so why not ask them ?

I believe, for example, that you have to use a lead lined coffin to bring a body back on a plane, but I guess that is only one of many things to consider.

[zzxxee]

i agree someone from the embassy could advise what is best so sorry for your loss

[smudge]

So sorry to hear about your brother Phil. Hope all works out for your journey home to the UK. Take care.

[PhilBy]

Thanks for your messages. I was thinking of using British Airways as I find their staff are the most helpful. I didn't know about the requirement to use a lead lined coffin, this I fear will certainly make it prohibitive.
I have tried a web search but can only find basic information for BA cargo for human remains ..... I am deaf and have to use a 3rd party for telephone calls, hoping to get things pretty sorted in my head before I make enquiries/bookings.

Thank you.

[SeaJayPea]

Hi, so sorry to hear of your predicament, Why not contact the Co-op Funeral Service by e-mail? They will most definitely be able to help you.

http://www.co-operative.coop/funeralcare/Conta ct-us/

[gadgetgeek]

The funeral directors and Embassies will deal with any issues you have on your behalf, including transporting your brother to the airport, and on arrival, from it. They will deal with all Customs issues etc. The only way 'excess baggage' will be considered wud be after a cremation in an urn. Very strict but compassionate rules have to be abided by. Hope all it works out smoothly for you and your family.

[KARL]

My father's remains were transported by air between countries but merely as ashes, so quite simple, really. Much of the advice given so far is no doubt helpful, but your deafness will bring additional complications. It is likely to be much easier for someone at the point of origin (in this case Canada) to make both enquiries and arrangements - if at all possible, make use of a relative or other over there. Making arrangements from the destination end is not impossible, but may be easier by getting the advice of the nearest British Embassy or Consulate, rather than asking in the UK. A UK firm is likely to cost more due to the international element in making the arrangements, not necessarily, but likely. Similarly, it may be best to speak to the airline's (nearest) local office because they are the people who will deal with the matter at that end - making contact with some specific individual whom you can make the regular advisor/interlocutor is worth trying. Once the process is set up, things should go without a hitch. To access international calls for as little as half a penny per minute go to http://callchecker.moneysavingexpert.com/intca llchecker/ allowing you/assistant to spend as much time talking to people in Canada as necessary without giving any thought to how much it is costing - phoning a UK 087 number for a few minutes is more expensive than an hour to Canada. Good luck.

[Ethel]

Some info here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizens andrights/Death/WhatToDoAfterADeath/DG_1002947 6

[Dee Sa]

make sure you have all the neccessary paper work to put the body on the plane, health authorities etc, you will probably need clearance in both countries. The cost will be quite heavy.
It would be much simpler if you just brought back his ashes but the choice is up to you,it cant be easy for you, so I sincerely hope that all goes well.
Also you will need an UK undertaker to collect/ recieve the body this end with the relevant paper work.

[Dee Sa]

I forgot to say that there must be a passenger/ family member on the flight to accompant the body, but I expect you already know that.good luck, its not as easy as it sounds but it can be done.

[thugulike]

My father was transported from Spain in a lead lined coffin but he was alone and travelled cargo. The funeral company picked him up from the airport. It was a while ago but I don't recall any problems. This is not an unusual occurance the airline will be happy to help.