Important Documents
In order to fly your loved one home, we need to have certified copies of the death certificate. With your help, we will gather the necessary information to generate the death certificate during your scheduled arrangement conference with one of our staff members.
Necessary information to complete the death certificate will include:
- Correct spelling of your loved one’s first, middle, and last name
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Home address
- Father’s first and last name
- Mother’s first and last name before marriage (Maiden name)
- Place of burial (if applicable)
- Next of kin
- Next of kin’s mailing address
- Highest level of education
- Last known occupation
- Your loved one’s birth certificate
- Your loved one’s passport
- Your loved one’s photo ID
- Original documents from the home country
The Consulate
Each country has a consulate. Each consulate has a different process for flying your loved one home. Some consulates require you to visit their office, others can have a simple online process. We have developed strong working relationships with various consulate offices in the Chicagoland area.
Booking a Flight
Our staff will book the flight for you. Once we know the necessary information about the receiving funeral home, we will notify them regarding the flight itinerary. We care about you and your loved one, to ensure your loved one is traveling safely, we track the flight and provide you with tracking information as well.
*Please note, after transferring your loved one into the care of the airline, we cannot change or update the flight status. Be advised that weather conditions are key factors in canceled flights. We respect and understand the grave importance of flying your loved one home, so we ensure full transparency, honesty, and compassion throughout this honorable process.
Preparing Your Loved One
Properly preparing (embalming) your loved one is required when flying someone home. Our staff is experienced in ensuring the natural presentation of your loved one throughout the entire process. The preparation of your loved one is top priority so that services in your loved one’s home country will be possible.
Selecting a Casket
Many countries require the purchase of a sealed or gasketed casket to fly a loved one home in. We have many gasketed caskets to select from that will commemorate your loved one and meet the necessary travel requirements. Some countries require burial to happen in a non-metal wooden casket, even though travel requirements request a metal gasketed casket.
How Much Will This Cost?
The price of flying your loved one home can vary. On average, flying your loved one home can cost between $9,000 and $12,000. This amount can vary based upon the services and merchandise you select on behalf of your loved one. We are here to guide you with your selections and provide you with the selected services and merchandise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will this process take?
Generally, this process can take between one to two weeks. We stay in touch with the corresponding consulate office in order for this process to happen quickly and efficiently.
Will my loved one look like themselves after arriving at their destination?
Our team of funeral directors are efficient, well trained, and detail oriented while preparing your loved one. Although circumstances can vary, our reputation with the presentation of loved ones is nearly impeccable.
How does my loved one get to the airport?
One of our qualified staff members will personally drive your loved one to the airport. A staff member will be with your loved one from the time they are in our care to the time they are taken to the airport.
What happens if the scheduled flight gets canceled?
Although we cannot control the flight status, we will do everything in our power to work alongside the airline to ensure your loved one can travel on the next available flight.
Is there any way for my family to receive financial assistance?
Yes! Many of the consulate offices have programs that can assist with financial needs. Please visit the website of the corresponding consulate to further inquire about financial assistance.
Can I have a service for my loved one here and in their home country?
Absolutely! In many instances, families decide to have an evening of visitation at our facility for family and friends to pay their final respect to your loved one prior to flying them home.