Twyla Shannahan expresses deep regret over the separation of her husband’s ashes during a flight from Alberta to Newfoundland. The Alberta widow is demanding an inquiry after Air Canada temporarily misplaced her late husband’s cremated remains when she was instructed to stow them in a checked bag instead of carrying them onboard.
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 with the respect he deserved.” Following her husband’s passing in February, Shannahan resolved to scatter his ashes in the ocean and arranged to transport his remains to his home province in the east, where his heart always belonged.
Despite having completed all necessary paperwork and confirming her compliance with regulations to transport the ashes in her carry-on luggage with Air Canada weeks prior, Shannahan was informed at Edmonton International Airport that the remains had to be placed in a checked bag due to alleged “new rules.” Although hesitant, she complied in order to proceed with her journey.
Upon arrival in St. John’s, one of her bags, containing the ashes, was missing, leaving Shannahan devastated. After a distressing overnight wait, she discovered that the ashes had been mistakenly sent to Montreal. Despite the airline’s offer to courier the remains to her, she insisted on retrieving them herself, expressing dissatisfaction with the airline’s handling of the situation.
In response to the incident, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) clarified that while cremated remains are typically allowed in carry-on luggage, security screening limitations may necessitate the checking of containers that obstruct X-ray machines. CATSA officials underscored their commitment to treating passengers and their loved ones with respect while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Air Canada reiterated its acceptance of cremated remains as carry-on baggage if security prerequisites are met. The airline expressed regret over the delayed baggage and issued an apology to Shannahan, accompanied by a $200 travel voucher. However, Shannahan found the gesture inadequate and perceived the airline’s response as deflecting blame onto Transport Canada, diminishing the significance of her husband’s remains.
Despite fulfilling her plan to scatter her husband’s ashes in Newfoundland, Shannahan remains dissatisfied with Air Canada’s handling of the situation and is advocating for a comprehensive review of the airline’s protocols concerning the transportation of human remains. She seeks meaningful compensation and hopes that policy adjustments will prevent similar incidents from befalling other bereaved families. Shannahan also revealed that other travelers have shared similar experiences, emphasizing the need for improved procedures to support grieving passengers.
