How much cash can you legally carry on a MS plane? Here’s what the law says
Have you ever wondered if there’s a limit to how much cash you can carry while traveling through Mississippi airports?
There are strict regulations for the amount of money international travelers can carry, but the rules for domestic travelers are less clear, according to legal experts.
There is no limit to the amount of money a person can travel with; however, if a person is entering or exiting the U.S. with more than $10,000, it must be reported to a Customs and Border Protection officer, according to the federal government.
If an international traveler fails to report that they are carrying more than $10,000, they may face penalties, including having the money confiscated, being fined up to $500,000 or be imprisoned for up to 10 years, according to the government.
For domestic travelers in Mississippi or anywhere in the U.S., there is no limit to the amount of cash that can be carried, but large amounts of cash can be investigated by the Transportation Security Administration, according to legal experts at Southern Maryland Criminal Defense.
If law enforcement suspects the money is connected to criminal activity, it may be seized under civil asset forfeiture laws, according to experts.
What to do if your cash is seized while traveling
Here’s what you can do if your money is seized at an airport, according to legal experts:
- Get an attorney
- Prove that you legally possess the money through bank statements, business records, receipts, etc.
- Submit a claim to get the money back
What items are commonly seized by TSA?
These are the top 10 most frequently seized items in airport baggage checks, according to BOS Security, a national security guard company:
1. Liquids, aerosols and gels
2. Knives and sharp objects
3. Firearms
4. Explosives and flammables
5. Novelty items
6. Ammunition
7. Flammable household items
8. Restricted powders
9. Electronic devices with lithium batteries
10. Alcoholic beverages over 150 proof
