Buzz
Even in death, transportation is necessary. Do airlines employ specific terminology when handling the transport of human remains? Leon Neal/Rob Melnychuk/Getty ImagesKey Insights
- Representatives from four leading airlines confirmed that the term "Jim Wilson" is not used when transporting human remains by air.
- Airlines do handle the transportation of human remains, which involves specialized procedures, documentation, and adherence to the Transportation Security Administration’s strict guidelines to ensure both safety and dignity.
- For cremated remains, airlines typically require ashes to be placed in containers that are transparent to X-rays, allowing them to pass through security scanners, so passengers can carry them onboard.
As per online rumors and urban myths, which often require skepticism, American Airlines allegedly employs the code "Jim Wilson" to refer to human remains transported in its cargo hold. But is there any validity to this claim?
It’s undeniable that American Airlines, like many others, transports human remains — after all, people frequently pass away far from their loved ones and intended burial sites. However, an American Airlines (AA) spokesperson we contacted in 2016 confirmed that no one at the airline uses this code, and it’s not something passengers would ever encounter.
The AA spokesperson suggested that the name likely originated from the manufacturer of the air trays designed for safely moving human remains. As reported by The Sun, the Alcor 1997 Stabilization and Transport Manual notes that Jim Wilson trays are commonly used as shipping containers, packed with ice to preserve remains. Currently, the AA’s official webpage on transporting human remains makes no reference to "Jim Wilson."
This leads to another question: Do other airlines use similar codes to respect the sensitivities of passengers and provide privacy for the deceased? If they do, it’s a well-kept secret, even from some employees. Inquiries made in 2016 to JetBlue, Alaska Air, and United revealed that none of them had heard of such a practice, though the idea was intriguing enough that staff planned to investigate. One JetBlue representative we spoke to admitted, "I’ve never been asked that before."
Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, transporting human remains by air has become more complex. The Transportation Security Administration collaborated with funeral homes to establish guidelines aimed at simplifying the process while enhancing security measures.
Handling cremated remains can be particularly challenging. Airlines often mandate that these remains be carried onboard rather than placed in the cargo hold, meaning they must pass through X-ray scanners. If the container is not transparent to the machine, it cannot be taken on the plane. Additionally, TSA agents are prohibited from opening the container, even upon request. Specialized travel-friendly containers made of materials like plastic or wood, which are compatible with X-ray machines, are available, but advance preparation is essential.
You can bypass the complexities of flying human remains by opting to ship them through the United States Postal Service, with no need for code names. All that’s required is an inner container, an outer container, ample padding, and clear labeling of the contents on the exterior of the package.
