Airport Money Rules: What You Should Know Before You Fly

While there is no limit on the amount of cash or monetary instruments you can bring on flights to the U.S., there are rules about disclosing currency on an international flight. If you are travelling with more than $10,000 USD, you must declare this to customs authorities using FinCEN Form 105, also known as the Currency and Monetary Instruments Report (CMIR). This is to comply with anti-money laundering laws and failure to do so could lead to cash seizure and legal consequences.

There is no limit on the amount of money you can carry on domestic US flights

While there is no legal limit on the amount of money you can carry on domestic US flights, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended that you ask to be screened in private if you're carrying a large sum of money to avoid drawing attention to your valuables. This is especially important since you are separated from your luggage at the checkpoint.

Secondly, while there is no limit on domestic flights, if you are travelling internationally with more than $10,000, you must declare this by filling out a FinCEN 105 form. This form should be presented to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, and you should keep extra copies in your possession.

It's also worth noting that, while there is no legal limit, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners have been known to detain travellers with large amounts of cash, even on domestic flights, and may provide "secret tips" to law enforcement officers who can then detain travellers and seize their cash for civil asset forfeiture. This is a concern even if you are following all the rules, as law enforcement only needs to state probable cause to seize your assets, and this can be related to current terrorism acts, giving them a lot of leeway.

Finally, while there is no limit on the amount of money you can carry on a domestic US flight, there is a practical limit to consider. A million dollars in cash weighs about 20 pounds, so it may be difficult to carry much more than that.

For international flights, amounts over $10,000 must be declared

When travelling internationally, it is important to be aware of the rules regarding carrying money across borders. While there is no limit to the amount of money you can travel with, amounts exceeding $10,000 must be declared to customs. This rule applies whether you are entering or exiting a country, and includes both cash and other monetary instruments, such as traveller's cheques. Failure to declare large amounts of money can lead to legal consequences, including seizure of the funds and, in some cases, criminal charges.

In the United States, travellers must report amounts over $10,000 to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. This can be done by filling out a Currency Reporting Form (FinCEN 105) online, or by filling out and presenting a paper copy to a CBP officer upon arrival. It is important to note that this requirement applies to all money carried by a group or family, not just individuals. Additionally, travellers may be questioned about the source and purpose of the funds, and inconsistent statements or lack of verifiable sources of income may raise suspicions of money laundering or other illegal activities.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended to use alternative methods of accessing money while travelling, such as credit/debit cards with no foreign transaction fees or ATM withdrawals. These options provide a safer and more convenient way to access funds without having to carry large amounts of cash.

Furthermore, it is important to be aware that different countries may have their own rules and regulations regarding carrying money across borders. While the $10,000 declaration limit is a common standard, some countries may have lower or higher thresholds for reporting. Therefore, it is always advisable to research the specific requirements of your destination country before travelling with large amounts of money.

TSA screeners cannot legally confiscate money, but they can detain travellers

While there is no limit to how much money travellers can carry on domestic flights within the United States, those travelling internationally with over $10,000 in cash must disclose the amount of currency in their possession on a FinCEN 105 form. This form must be delivered to CBP before the flight, and travellers must also keep extra copies in their possession.

TSA screeners cannot legally confiscate money from travellers or their luggage at the airport. However, they can detain travellers and their luggage if they suspect something unusual or illegal, such as money laundering or drug trafficking. TSA screeners might also hold a traveller until a law enforcement officer arrives to seize their cash. Even when a traveller is not detained, a TSA screener might provide a "'secret tip'" to law enforcement officers, who can then detain the traveller before they board their domestic flight.

If the TSA seizes your cash, it is important to act quickly to contest the civil asset forfeiture. Typically, a notice of seizure is mailed within 60 days of the confiscation. 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 an airport surveillance video can also be essential in proving your case and should be requested promptly.

Law enforcement officers can seize money from travellers at the airport

While the TSA does not have the authority to seize cash from travellers at the airport, they can detain a traveller if they suspect something unusual or illegal, such as money laundering or drug trafficking. In such cases, they might hold the traveller until law enforcement arrives and takes the cash. Even when the TSA doesn't detain the traveller, they might alert law enforcement officers who can then detain the traveller before they board their domestic flight.

Travellers are not required to disclose that they are carrying money on a domestic flight. However, on an international flight, if you have more than $10,000 in your possession, you must disclose the amount of currency in your possession on a FinCEN 105 form. If you are travelling with others, fill out the form listing the total amount carried by everyone in your group. Deliver a copy of the form to CBP before the flight and keep extra copies in your possession.

If your money has been seized by law enforcement, you can seek legal assistance to help you understand your rights and determine whether the seizure was legal.

Failure to declare large sums of money can lead to seizure and legal consequences

While there are no rules limiting the amount of money you can bring on a flight, failing to declare large sums of money can lead to seizure and legal consequences. If you are travelling internationally with over $10,000, you must declare the amount of currency in your possession. This can be done by filling out a FinCEN 105 form, disclosing exactly how much money you have. If you are travelling with others, you must list the total amount carried by everyone in your group.

If you fail to declare, your money can be seized by law enforcement officers, and you may face legal consequences. TSA screeners might also detain you so that a law enforcement officer can seize the cash. They may also provide a "secret tip" to law enforcement officers, who can then detain you before you board your flight.

If your money is seized, it is important to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities. You will likely be given a receipt or notice of seizure, which you should keep safe. You should also act quickly and seek legal counsel to improve your chances of recovering your money. An experienced lawyer can help you fight to get it back and navigate the challenging experience of having your cash seized.

Frequently asked questions