It is an incredibly sensitive job and must be carefully planned and followed realistically. Dead body transportation via air is a must in India since the idea of repatriation is to either go to another city or country, hence it is very much needed in India. Knowledge of certain procedures can simplify this difficult time for families in a less stressful manner. This article outlines the necessary steps for dead body transportation by air in India.
What is Needed in Air Transportation?
If families face the loss of a loved one far from home, they struggle with more than not being there to comfort the grieving. They cannot transport the body properly and respectfully. Often for its speed and efficiency, air transport is used for dead body transportation in India. In the scenario of international repatriation or the need to hold funeral remarks within a very short interval.
Why air transportation?
- Speed: Air transport is the fastest means to transport a body to somewhere where it can be taken quickly but reached faster.
- Accessibility: Many areas are accessible via air travel where ground transport could be difficult.
- Preservation: And rightly used, air transport preserves the body over long distances.
Legal Requirements
However, before the transportation can even be undertaken, this has to be comprehended. Different documents are required from India for transporting a dead body by air.
Essential Documents Include:
- Death Certificate: You have to have an officially issued certificate of death from a recognised medical authority.
- Embalming Certificate: Embalming is sometimes required for the body if it will be carried a distance or internationally. This certificate certifies the embalming of the body has been done properly.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you’re going to have your product or your services transported across state limits or over state lines then you must have an NOC from local authorities.
- Identity Proof of the Deceased: If the transportation process requires it, a copy of the deceased’s identity documents is also necessary.
Getting Ready to Transport The Body
Dealing with the preparation of a deceased body for transport is as important as watching it during the transport.
Steps for Preparation:
- Embalming: In case the body requires transport then it should be embalmed. Depending on the license or in the case of licensed morticians or funeral homes, this process is completed.
- Coffin Selection: It needs to choose an appropriate coffin. Also for air travel, it should meet the airline’s regulations.
- Sealing the Coffin: Preparation of the coffin should seal if the leakage of the coffin or hazards to health.
Funeral Provider Engagement
Engaging a quite reputable funeral service provider is next on the list of the process of transporting a dead body by air. It’s these professionals who can help with all of the arrangements and documentation.
Choosing the Right Provider
- Experience: Find a provider that has loaded bodies on the air.
- Services Offered: Make sure they will have the ability to handle everything logistical (seriously, embalming, documentation, coordination with airlines, etc.) for all aspects.
- Reviews: Review with families who have used their services to get an idea of reliability and compassion.
Airline Coordination & Booking
After the body is set and all documents are in order, the next step is finding transportation with the airline.
Considerations for Airline Booking:
- Airline Policies: The arrangements of dead body transportation by air are different from airline to airline. You need to have these talks with your pick provider and airline.
- Booking in Advance: Space availability, especially during peak seasons or holidays, is advised for early booking.
- Cost Estimates: Different airlines and service providers give you cost estimates which you can use for budget management.
Transportation Process
When all is agreed, it’s a case of the moving actually happening. It also consists of lots of critical steps.
During the Transport:
- Check-in Process: If, however, the funeral service provider is to take care of check-in at the airport then it will typically be handled by the funeral service provider. They will have to furnish them with the necessary documents, before which they will have to present a death certificate, embalming certificate, and NOC.
- Handling of the Coffin: The coffin should be handled with all the respect possible, care should be taken while putting it on and taking it off.
- Tracking the Consignment: If applicable, ask if you can track the consignment, to find out where it is during transit.
Final Arrangements
There are procedures to follow when you arrive at the destination.
Post-Transportation:
- Receiving the Body: Remains may also be picked up by the family or representative at the destination. If they are required, they should have copies of the necessary documents ready for submission to local authorities.
- Arrangements for Funeral Services: Funeral arrangements can then be made quickly after the arrival of the deceased. Decide beforehand if the body will be burnt or buried.
Dead Body Transportation by Air: Challenges
However, it’s necessary to take into account some tests during the process of loading the dead body by air. Knowing these challenges will better help families to be prepared and respond appropriately to things they don’t expect.
Potential Challenges:
- Regulatory Delays: The actual paperwork problems can cause delays, each state or Country could have different regulations. This risk is reduced further as all the documents are filled and submitted correctly.
- Airline Restrictions: Each airline has its own rules on bringing bodies on board; Dead bodies must fit into a coffin that’s light enough for the aircraft. You want to verify these with the airline beforehand.
- Emotional Stress: Transporting a family member can be an emotional drain. Preparation includes family to know that this will be an emotional burden, and families are encouraged to think about employing trusted family members or friends for the emotional burden.
Important Tips for Families
To help ease the process of dead body transportation by air, families can keep the following tips in mind:
Organise Documentation Early:
Get started as soon as possible by collecting the required documents. Thus, there may be delays in transportation as a result of getting a Death Certificate or NOC.
Choose a Trusted Partner:
Another effective means of how to manage logistics for this situation is to pick a qualified funeral service provider that deals with air transportation only. It can help reduce the possibility of problems.
Stay Informed:
Keep in touch with the airline and the funeral service over the transportation process. The information helps families feel more in control when times are difficult.
Prepare for Arrival:
Make sure that someone is there at the destination ready to accept the body. They must know local laws and customs concerning body handling after death.
Conclusion
The need for dead body transportation by air is a vital service to families at a terrible time. With an understanding of the required procedures, legal requirements, and real-life steps that are involved, a task such as this can take much of the burden.
However, families want to follow these processes: from obtaining adequate documentation, packing the body, and handling things with the airlines, to settling arrangements after transportation, so that the dead person is given the respect and dignity they deserve.
But in today’s world, the capability to facilitate quick and respectful transport of a deceased loved one, over distances, is invaluable. Planning or having someone to plan, may all feel daunting for a period of grief, but the process is certainly possible with the right planning and support to help you through.
Kaashimukthi is a trusted service provider allied to dead body transportation in Bangalore with the best service and is proficient in taking care of all relevant legal and logistical needs.
Madhu is an Entrepreneur, a Mentor, a Writer and an Aspiring Car Race Driver. He is Deeply passionate about leveraging Technology and Human Centred Design to make complex care and End of Life Planning easier. With the ultimate aim of Improving the quality of Life in the Twilight years. Madhu is highly educated and Alumni of IIM-Bangalore, Sikkim Manipal University and Bangalore University besides a Rich Industry Experience in the field of Product Management, Design, Supply chain, Finance, Commercial Management and Funeral Services.