TSA understands how painful losing a loved one is and we aim to provide the highest level of security and customer service at our screening checkpoints. Understanding that the size of the stones vary greatly, TSA recommends the following guidelines if you plan to travel with your memorial stone by air. If your memorial stone is small (approximately 4 inch diameter – size of a softball ), it is generally permitted in your carry-on bag. Please separate the memorial stone from your other property for screening. It is recommended that stones much larger in size be placed in your checked baggage or shipped to your destination via a parcel service. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. TSA has the discretion to prohibit any item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if they believe it poses a security threat. This discretion applies even if the item is not on the prohibited items list.
Passenger Support Specialists
TSA Cares is a dedicated helpline that provides information on the screening procedures that specifically pertain to those with disabilities, medical conditions, and other circumstances. We also coordinate assistance through checkpoint screening via the Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) program. PSSs are Transportation Security Officers (TSO) who have received advanced training on helping passengers with disability, medical, or other circumstances through the screening checkpoint. You may always request to speak with a PSS or a Supervisory TSO when you arrive at the checkpoint.
If you believe you would benefit from this service, please call TSA Cares at least 72-hours in advance of travel. The hours of operation for the TSA Cares helpline are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, weekends and holidays. You may call (855) 787-2227, Federal Relay 711, or e-mail us at TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.
For travel tips and information about our screening procedures and what you can bring, please visit www.tsa.gov/travel.
Traveling with a TSP Stone by Air