Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people choose cremation?

Today the main reason is cost. Your traditional funeral starts at $6,000, and can easily run $12,000 or higher depending on burial plot and location. Cremation can be done for $500 - $2000. Cemeteries in populated areas are becoming extremely overcrowded.

Is aerial dispersal safe for the environment?

Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that aerial dispersal of ashes has no significant impact on the environment.

Where do you scatter the ashes?

We disperse between 1,000-12,500 feet above sea level unless otherwise requested. FAA regulations §91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General. (b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. (c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure, a minimum of 500 feet above obstacles, a minimum of 1,000 feet in heavier populated area, and at least 2,000 feet above National Forests. State Forests do not permit dispersal of cremains.

Can I go along on the flight?

Unfortunately our insurance requirements will not allow family or friends of the deceased to accompany the flight during dispersal.

How long until the ashes are released?

Cremains will be dispersed within two weeks of receipt for local flights (200 nautical miles). Within 60 days for non-local flights.

Do you take pictures of the dispersal?

Yes. The memorial certificate with embossed seal will contain the picture of the dispersal area.

How do you receive the ashes?

If you request it, your funeral director will deliver the cremains to us. If you are in possession of the cremains, you may deliver them personally in authorized packaging to us at the airport or send it via U.S. Post Office Registered Mail. The cremains are to be shipped via registered mail with return receipt requested. As per the USPS code 462.2, "The word “CREMAINS” should be marked on the address side and they need to be packaged in a sift-proof container or in other containers that are sealed in durable sift-proof outer containers” and mailed to Final Flight LLC, P.O. Box 6161, Glendale, AZ 85312 *FedEx and UPS will not accept cremated remains*" If needed we offer a complimentary pickup of cremains if you live within a 35 mile radius from Glendale, AZ. For an additional fee we will perform out of area pickups for your convenience. WITH THE CREMAINS, PLEASE INCLUDE A PHOTO COPY OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE, PAYMENT, AND A COPY OF THE AUTHORIZED RELEASE FORM.

Interesting Facts about Cremation

Religion and Cost

For those who identify with a religion, different faiths have different traditions when it comes to cremation. While many Christians have traditionally chosen burial -- mirroring Jesus' entombment, the Catholic Church lifted its ban on cremation in 1963.

While most Muslims prefer burial, a large majority of Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs tend to lean toward cremation. Though many branches of Judaism do not cremate, Reformed Jews often do.

The latest study by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council, it was found that cremation is chosen more often by people of higher education and income. The No. 1 reason for choosing cremation in a national survey was shown to be cost. On an average, cremation is one-quarter the cost of burial (not including the burial plot or upkeep), ranging from about $750 to $6,500, according to the National Cremation Association.

Cremation Facts

• Cremation probably started sometime in the early Stone Age; but was recorded to have taken place in 3000 B.C. throughout the Far East.
• The word cremation is derived from the Latin word "cremo," or to burn.
• In 2022, just over 57.5 percent of recorded deaths were cremated in the United States, which has more than 3,374 crematories, according to the National Cremation Association
• The state with the lowest rate in 2020 was Mississippi, at 18.9 percent. The state with the highest rate was Nevada, at 81.6 percent in 2023.
• In Arizona, in 2013, of 51,997 dead, 14,079 (26.5 percent) were buried and 33,319 (69.5 percent) were cremated, according to the state's Department of Health. In 2020, cremation has increased to 70.3 percent.
• In Arizona, direct cremation -- immediate cremation without viewing or embalming -- costs anywhere from $750 to $3,500.
• Countries with high cremation rates include Japan (99.85 percent); India (85 percent); United Kingdom (72.44 percent); and Scandinavia (73 percent)