Twyla Shannahan expressed dismay over the temporary loss of 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 instructing her to place them in a checked bag instead of carrying them on board.
Shannahan emphasized the significance of the 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 intended to scatter his ashes in the ocean and bring them back to his native Newfoundland. Despite the couple’s extensive global travels, Newfoundland held a special place in his heart, according to Shannahan.
To fulfill her husband’s wishes, Shannahan, a resident of Webster, Alta., meticulously arranged for a memorial with his relatives in Newfoundland and booked a flight from Edmonton to St. John’s on June 10. She ensured she had all necessary documents and even contacted Air Canada beforehand to comply with the regulations for carrying ashes in her carry-on luggage.
Upon arrival at Edmonton International Airport, Shannahan was informed by an Air Canada agent that due to “new rules,” the remains had to be placed in a checked bag instead of her carry-on. Despite feeling uneasy, she complied to board her flight.
Upon reaching St. John’s, Shannahan discovered that one of her bags, containing the ashes, was missing. Overwhelmed with grief, she recalled, “My soul just dropped right out of me… I failed him. I had one job, and I failed him.”
After an overnight wait for Air Canada to resolve the issue, Shannahan learned that the ashes had been mistakenly sent to Montreal. Rather than accepting a courier service, she insisted on retrieving them personally, emphasizing the flawed system that led to the mishap.
In response to the incident, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) explained that while cremated remains are generally allowed in carry-on luggage, security screening considerations may necessitate checking the container with the airline. CATSA officials expressed empathy towards the situation and committed to upholding regulations while treating passengers with dignity.
Air Canada also acknowledged that cremated remains are permitted as carry-on, provided they meet security requirements. The airline expressed regret for the delayed baggage and offered a $200 travel voucher to Shannahan as a goodwill gesture, which she found unsatisfactory.
Shannahan proceeded to scatter her husband’s ashes in Newfoundland but remains discontent with Air Canada’s response, urging for a comprehensive review of the airline’s policies concerning human remains transport to prevent similar incidents in the future. She called for enhanced accountability and meaningful compensation, stressing the emotional toll such mishaps impose on grieving families.