Photo: © 2010 AP via AAP/Andy King

The accused arrived at John Lennon Airport with their 91-year-old relative in a wheelchair and wearing sunglasses, hoping to pop him on a flight to his native Germany.

But curious check-in staff soon cottoned on and called in police, who arrested the women for failing to report the death.

The women were believed to have hauled the corpse all the way from near Manchester in a taxi.

"Two women aged 41 and 66 were arrested on suspicion of failing to give notification of death," a Greater Manchester Police spokesman told Sky News.

"The coroner has been informed and police are continuing with their inquiries."

The women were released on bail and a post mortem is due in the coming days.