Who collects the body from the UK airport?
A UK funeral director collects the repatriated remains from the airport cargo terminal. Families do not usually collect directly from cargo.
On arrival in the UK, remains are released through airline cargo handling, not passenger arrivals.
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Send us the detailsNormal process
- Airline cargo terminal receives the repatriation case.
- UK funeral director presents the required documents.
- Funeral director transfers the deceased to their care facility.
- Family arrangements proceed from there.
Why families do not collect directly
Cargo release rules are strict and documentation-heavy. Funeral directors are set up for this and handle the process safely and correctly.
If you already have a UK funeral director, ask them to coordinate with the overseas team before departure to avoid delays.
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Tell us what has happened and we will explain the next steps and prepare a quote, from any country to any country.
Send an enquiryOther questions
- How much does repatriation cost?
- Does travel insurance cover repatriation?
- How long does repatriation take?
- What is a burial transit permit?
- Does a body need embalming for repatriation?
- What does the British Embassy do?
- How is a body transported on a plane?
- What happens with no travel insurance?
- UK coroner and deaths abroad
- Who pays for repatriation?
Tell us what has happened
Send us the details and we will explain what happens next and prepare a quote. We arrange repatriation to any country.