A Journey With Wings

A Journey With Wings is a family business that scatters cremated remains from the air. Pilots fly the ceremony in an airplane. The company says it offers a respectful final farewell from above. It works in Southern California on land and at sea, and in some other beautiful places in North America.

The business was started by a father and daughter, Jamie and Robert. They began flying lessons together when Jamie was 17. They have flown together ever since. The company says it has performed aerial memorial services for over 21 years.

It offers three kinds of service. An unwitnessed service means the family does not attend. A witnessed service lets the family watch from the ground. A private service lets the family take part. The company says people can choose from more than 150 locations, including mountains, oceans and national parks. Families can also ask for a custom flight.

The company says it will scatter remains only where it is legal to do so. It handles the paperwork and permits. It can work with the family at any stage, whether or not the cremation has taken place. If the remains are already with the family, it files the paperwork again to get scattering permits. It can arrange pick-up, delivery or shipment of the remains.

After the flight, families receive a video and a flight certificate. The company says the video is beautifully edited. The aim is to give families a keepsake of the day.

The site says prices start at $600. They depend on the distance and on the plane used. An extra fee applies if more loved ones are scattered on the same flight. The company compares the price range to the cost of buying an urn. A package with local pick-up is also listed.

The website has a frequently asked questions section about booking, locations and what to expect. It also explains how family members can take part in the flight and mentions FAA rules. Visitors can call the company to check dates and prices.