If you have $75,000 in cash, can you stuff it into a suitcase and board a plane with it?
One passenger actually did this. A few years back, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Richmond International Airport discovered $75,000 in cash in a passenger's luggage during a security check. The question remains: Is it legal to travel with that much cash?
Traveling with Cash
Although it may seem sketchy, it is perfectly legal to travel with any amount of cash — even very large amounts. You could cram $1 million dollars into your purse if you wanted because there is no cash limit for travel in the U.S.A., as far as domestic flights are concerned.
If you're flying internationally with more than $10,000, however, you'll have to declare the amount on a customs declaration form because of reporting requirements. Other than that, assuming customs approves your luggage, you can carry as much cash as you want.
Can the Government Take My Money?
While carrying large amounts of cash isn't necessarily illegal, you may run into trouble if the authorities believe the cash is tied to illegal activity.
Since the TSA routinely finds evidence of criminal activity, such as drug trafficking or money laundering, don't be surprised if TSA agents pay a little extra attention if you have a large amount of money in your luggage. TSA officers may question you about where you got the money, where you're taking it, and why. You are not required to answer these questions, but not answering can result in delays.
If the TSA screener suspects that the cash is linked to illegal activity, they will call in a law enforcement agency such as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) or FBI to investigate further. TSA agents are part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and are not law enforcement officers, so they cannot conduct criminal investigations by themselves.
In the case mentioned above, a law enforcement agency was called in to investigate the $75,000 found. The cash was seized under civil asset forfeiture laws, and the traveler was allowed to continue on to his flight. Law enforcement can use both federal and state forfeiture laws when they believe large sums of money are involved in a crime. If this happens, you should contact a lawyer, who can walk you through the legal process to try to have your money returned.
Tips for Traveling
Traveling with a large amount of cash probably isn’t the best idea. Unlike in the past, most businesses and international locations now accept credit cards or debit cards, and many still accept travelers’ checks as a form of payment.
If you do decide to stash stacks of Benjamins in your luggage, keep these tips in mind:
- Ask TSA officials to screen you in a private location. You don't want everyone in line to know you're carrying a lot of cash.
- Always keep cash and other valuables with you in a carry-on bag. Never leave such items in checked baggage.
- Don't forget to declare $10,000 cash or more to customs officials if you're on international travel.
Related Resources:
- Guide to TSA Restrictions: From Carry-On Items to Security Checkpoints (FindLaw’s Learn About the Law)
- Traveling Abroad? Legal Lessons for Staying Out of Trouble. (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- Top 5 TSA, Airline Complaints Revealed (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
