Roberta Aguirre
While there are no laws prohibiting passengers from flying with cash, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and other authorities may become suspicious of individuals carrying large amounts of money. In the United States, passengers are required to declare amounts exceeding $10,000 for domestic flights to the TSA and to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for international flights. Failure to do so may result in fines and seizure of the money. Some airlines and airports have also adopted no-cash policies, only accepting credit and debit cards, or other forms of cashless payment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cash accepted at airport ticket counters | Most airlines will still allow cash purchases, but only at certain airports. Airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Allegiant accept cash at select airports. |
| ID requirements for cash purchases | A government-issued photo ID is required for cash purchases, and it must have been issued within six months prior to the travel date. |
| Cash declaration rules | For international flights, amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For domestic flights in the US, amounts over $10,000 should be declared to the TSA. |
| Cash seizure by authorities | TSA screeners and authorities may seize cash amounts over $10,000 if they suspect the money is obtained from or intended for criminal activities, such as drug-related offenses. |
| Alternatives to cash | Many airlines prefer plastic payments, including credit cards, debit cards, prepaid debit cards, and digital wallet services (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.). Some airlines offer ReadyStation kiosks to convert cash to prepaid debit cards, but these often come with additional fees. |
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What You'll Learn
Cash purchases on flights
While cash purchases on flights are becoming less common, it is still possible to buy a plane ticket with cash at the airport ticket counter. Most airports will allow you to do this, but you will need to show a government-issued photo ID, and it must have been issued within six months of your travel date. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport earlier than normal to make a cash transaction.
Some airlines, such as Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, and United, do not allow cash to be used for fares or inflight purchases. However, other airlines, such as American Airlines, do allow cash purchases, but only at certain airports. It is best to call the carrier to confirm which airports and counters process cash payments.
If you are flying within your own country, there is usually no legal limit to how much cash you can carry. However, airport security might raise an eyebrow if you have a lot of cash on you, and you may be asked some questions. If you are carrying over $10,000 (or the equivalent), you must declare it to customs, and you may need to fill out a form. Failing to do so could result in fines or confiscation of your money.
When carrying cash on an airline trip, it is important to take steps to prevent theft or loss. Keep your cash in a carry-on bag, and never put it in a checked bag. Keep your cash and other valuables out of public view, and always keep your baggage and belongings in sight when passing through a security checkpoint.
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TSA cash seizure
While the TSA's primary focus is security, it is important to understand their authority and your rights when it comes to carrying money through airports. Although there are no rules limiting the amount of money you can bring on a flight, there are rules about disclosing currency on an international flight. If you are travelling internationally and have $10,000 or more in your possession, you must disclose the amount on a FinCEN 105 form. These disclosure rules do not apply to domestic flights.
TSA screeners often find travellers carrying large amounts of cash in excess of $10,000 for domestic flights. The TSA does not have the authority to seize cash, but they can refer cases to other law enforcement agencies if they suspect illegal activity. If the TSA discovers a large amount of cash and suspects it may be related to illegal activity (e.g. drug trafficking, money laundering), they can report it to law enforcement. TSA screeners can also detain travellers if they suspect something unusual or illegal and hold them until law enforcement arrives to investigate further.
If your cash is seized, contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights and challenge the seizure. Filing a verified claim for court action soon after the seizure increases your chances of getting your money back. If a verified claim is not submitted within 35 days of receiving the notice of seizure, the government retains the right to keep the seized cash. Obtaining surveillance video from the airport can also be essential in proving your case and should be requested promptly.
In 2020, the Institute for Justice filed a federal class-action lawsuit against the TSA, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the federal government over the "unlawful and unconstitutional" practices of cash seizures inside airports "without any indication of criminal activity." The IJ report concluded that "Federal law enforcement agencies are tasked with finding and punishing criminals, but these findings suggest DHS airport currency seizure and forfeiture practices put innocent Americans at risk."
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Cash at airport ticket counters
While many airlines have transitioned to digital payment methods, some still accept cash purchases for plane tickets at airport ticket counters. However, it's important to note that this is becoming less common, and there may be specific requirements or limitations. For example, certain airlines only accept cash at select airports or ticket counters, and even then, only in the local currency. Therefore, it's always best to call ahead or check the airline's website for their latest cash purchase policies and designated cashless airports.
American Airlines is one of the few large airlines that still accepts cash at some airport ticket counters and travel centres, but this varies by location. Similarly, Alaska Air accepts cash payments in US and Canadian dollars at ticket counters in the US and Canada, and Mexican pesos at counters in Mexico. However, Southwest Airlines, which once only accepted cash at its ticketing locations, no longer does so in the US, but still accepts cash at international locations. JetBlue Airways also has a mixed policy, refusing cash in the US but accepting Dominican pesos at airports and ticket offices in the Dominican Republic.
United Airlines is another example of an airline with varying policies. While they do not accept cash at many airports, they do take cash payments at select ticket counters and ticket offices outside of airports. Delta Air Lines has gone a step further, designating more than 80 airports as cashless, including all locations within the US, and most international locations.
The shift towards cashless transactions in the airline industry has its benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, it streamlines payment processes and reduces the need for physical currency. On the other hand, it excludes individuals who do not have access to bank accounts, debit cards, or credit cards. Additionally, some travellers may prefer using cash for privacy or security reasons. To accommodate those who wish to pay in cash, some airports have installed ReadyStation kiosks, allowing passengers to convert cash into prepaid debit cards for a fee.
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Cash in luggage
While it is legal to travel with cash, there are some important rules to follow, especially when carrying large amounts. The amount that constitutes a "large amount" varies depending on the country and whether you are travelling internationally or domestically. For example, in the US, if you are travelling internationally, you must declare any amount over $10,000 to US Customs and Border Protection. This can be done online or in person at the airport. Failure to do so could result in your cash being confiscated and a fine. This rule also applies to groups of people travelling together. For instance, a family of five travelling with $11,000 between them would be required to declare this amount.
When travelling domestically in the US, there is no limit to the amount of cash you can carry. However, the TSA may ask passengers carrying large sums to account for the money. If the TSA suspects that the money is related to criminal activity, they can refer the passenger to law enforcement.
In the UK, if you are entering or leaving Great Britain with £10,000 or more, you must declare this amount to UK customs. The threshold is €10,000 when travelling to or from Northern Ireland and non-EU countries or Great Britain.
It is recommended that you always carry cash in your hand luggage, rather than in checked bags, and that you keep your bag in sight at security checks. Using a money belt can also help to protect against pickpockets. It is also important to be upfront with security and customs officials if you are carrying a large amount of cash. Hiding it could lead to delays or other issues.
In addition, it is worth noting that an increasing number of airlines no longer accept cash as a form of payment for in-flight purchases, and some airlines, such as Allegiant and Delta, have designated certain airports as cashless, meaning they will not accept cash as a form of payment at these locations. Therefore, it is a good idea to check with the airline or airport before assuming that you will be able to use cash.
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Cash-to-card conversion kiosks
While some airlines still allow cash purchases at certain airports, many airlines, such as Allegiant, Delta, JetBlue, and United, have implemented no-cash policies at specific airports. This shift towards cashless transactions is also observed in other venues such as hotels, malls, and sports stadiums. As a result, cash-to-card conversion kiosks have emerged as a solution to enable customers who prefer cash to complete their transactions.
The cards dispensed by these kiosks are generally accepted worldwide, carrying the same security features and payment standards as major card networks like Visa or Mastercard. This ensures that travellers can use their converted funds conveniently and securely at their destinations. The kiosks may also offer cards affiliated with specific payment networks, such as the ReadyCARD Visa Prepaid Card or the ReadyCARD Prepaid Mastercard.
While cash-to-card conversion kiosks provide a valuable service, it is important to consider the potential disadvantages. There may be fees associated with using these kiosks, such as the $5 fee for the ReadyStation kiosks offered by JetBlue. These fees can disproportionately impact low-income individuals, making it more costly to convert cash to a prepaid card. Additionally, travellers should be mindful of the amount they intend to load onto the card, as there may be limits, such as the $1,000 maximum for the kiosks at Southwest Florida International Airport.
Overall, cash-to-card conversion kiosks address the challenges faced by travellers who prefer cash in an increasingly cashless environment. By offering a convenient and secure way to convert cash, these kiosks empower travellers to make purchases using prepaid cards that are widely accepted globally. However, it is essential to be aware of any associated fees or loading limits to make informed decisions when utilizing these services.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can usually buy a plane ticket with cash at the airport, but this varies by airline and airport. For example, Delta and JetBlue have designated certain airports as cashless, and Allegiant does not accept cash at any airport. If you plan to buy a ticket with cash, it's best to call the airline and confirm that the airport you plan to fly from accepts cash.
There is no legal limit to the amount of cash you can bring on a plane, but if you are carrying over $10,000, you must declare it to CBP for international flights or TSA for domestic flights. Failure to declare may result in fines and seizure of your money.
Yes, TSA screeners can seize cash at the airport if they suspect it is related to criminal activity. They may flag your bag for inspection if they spot a large amount of cash during screening, and if they suspect the money is connected to criminal activity, they may confiscate it. In some cases, individuals have had to take legal action to recover their money.
