Pack cremains in carry-on, in a temporary container

Question: I need to bring my aunt’s ashes on a plane with me. Can I just put the urn in my carry-on? — Sad Task

Answer: I am sorry for your loss. Yes, you can carry “crematory remains” in your carry-on bag. Make sure the ashes are in a temporary container of plastic, cardboard or wood that makes it easy for the X-ray machine to scan. If the ashes are sealed in a metal, ceramic or stone container, the X-ray machine might not clearly see the contents. The security agent will not open the urn, but could refuse to allow you to take it through.

I would advise never transporting cremated remains in a checked bag, even if an airline allows it. A Cleveland man recently sued after he opened his suitcase to find his mother’s ashes scattered among his clothing. You also don’t want to lose the ashes if your suitcase goes missing.

If you need to fly with a loved one’s ashes, ask the funeral home for guidance on a temporary container. For more on Transportation Security Administration guidelines, see tsa.gov.

Q: I recently traveled to China and made some expensive purchases. I was told to save my receipts, and I would be able to get some kind of financial consideration. Is this true, and if so, how do I get the proper forms to get reimbursed? — China Doll

A: The good news is that in 2015 China began offering a tax rebate for purchases of 500 yuan (about $75) or more made by overseas visitors. The rebate is 11 percent, minus service charges. The bad news is that you must get the rebate at your departing airport in China. Once you leave China, you are out of luck.

Here’s how it works: Buy merchandise at any store with a “tax free” sign. Get the receipt and a tax refund form at the store. At the departing airport customs desk, “present the refund form, invoice, passport or ID card as well as the purchased products. If nothing goes wrong, the officer will stamp on the refund form.” You can then get your refund at the refund counter and check your luggage.

For a list of Chinese airports with refund counters, see travelchinaguide.com/essential/tax-refund.htm. For specific information about the refund process at the Beijing airport, see taxrefundbeijing.com.