How Much Cash Can You Bring on a Private Plane in NYC? 2025

If you have plans to travel by private plane from an NYC airport, you may not be aware of the regulations regarding what you have to report to customs. The rules seem pretty straightforward, but it is easy to get caught up in complications. To avoid hassle and possible penalties, keep reading to learn how much cash you can bring on a private plane in NYC.

How Much Cash Can You Bring on a Private Plane in NYC?

You can bring as much cash as you like on a private or commercial plane, and there are no taxes or duties on cash and other forms of payment. However, you are required to report anything over $10,000 to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol when entering or leaving the U.S. The limit applies to all forms of currency. This means cash, including paper bills and coins from any country, but it also covers:

• Cashier’s or traveler’s checks
• Money orders, checks, or promissory notes that can be cashed by the person
• Gold medals, bullion, or coins
• Stocks or securities in physical certificate form
• Prepaid debit cards, mobile wallets, and other forms of electronic prepaid payment

In addition, if you’re traveling with a group, you are not allowed to split money to circumvent the limit. For example, if you have $6,000 and your spouse has $7,000, as a group, you have more than the $10,000 limit and have to declare the money on your U.S. Customs form.

Penalties

If you have more than $10,000 and fail to declare it properly, the first consequence is that U.S. Customs or other law enforcement officers can immediately seize all cash and other forms of payment under the Bank Secrecy Act, also called the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act. This is a law in the United States that seeks to detect and prevent money laundering and other illegal actions, such as tax evasion or the selling of illegal items.

In addition, the court can also file a civil action or other criminal charges against you, which can make any seized money subject to forfeiture and possibly result in other penalties as well. You could be charged with a federal crime, which can lead to a fine of up to $500,000 and up to ten years in prison, and you may come under investigation for other financial crimes. If your case reaches this stage, you will need a criminal defense attorney to represent you at trial.

If Your Money Is Seized

If your money is seized by U.S. Customs, it is important to remain calm. Even though the money is in their possession, they still have rights and recourse. You still own the money and are often able to have it returned. Understanding the laws and processes can help you protect your money. The following information is crucial to increase your chance of a positive result:

• Get a receipt. Officials are required to give you a receipt at the time of seizure. If they do not offer a receipt, make sure you ask for one, or there is no proof that they seized anything.
• Watch for a notice. The government is also required to send a formal notice within sixty days, and if they do not, they are required to return the money they seized.
• Avoid administrative forfeiture. When the seizure notice is issued, the process of administrative forfeiture begins. This means that if you do not respond to the notice or fail to take action as described in the notice, you may give up your right to get your money back.
• Hire an experienced lawyer. The legal process to request the return of your money involves filing a petition, posting a bond, and often going through a hearing. The window for action can be small, and small mistakes can cause problems. A skilled attorney can make sure you meet your filing deadlines and that the paperwork meets the legal criteria. In some cases, your lawyer can resolve the issue without a hearing.

FAQs

Q: Do You Have to Go Through Customs on a Private Plane?

A: Yes, every passenger who flies to the U.S. from another country has to go through security and customs. In many cases, the process is faster and more efficient for those flying on a private plane. In larger airports, travelers on private planes may go through a separate queue, which can be a generally easier experience.

Q: Do I Have to Declare Cash in Other Countries Too?

A: Yes, most countries have a similar process as the U.S. for people arriving there. The amounts of money and declaration process can vary from one country to the next, so it is important to make sure you understand what is and is not accepted in the destination before you leave the U.S. That country’s embassy or consulate should have information on customs and restrictions.

Q: What Happens to My Seized Money?

A: When a law enforcement official seizes your money, they are required to hold it until the case is resolved. To have your money returned, you have to provide evidence that shows that the money is not linked to criminal activity and has a legal source. A prompt response is of the essence, as failing to follow the proper procedure can mean forfeiting your right to have the money returned to you.

Q: Should You Fly With Large Amounts of Cash?

A: Most people do not need to carry large amounts of cash with them when they fly, but there are times when it makes sense. Not all countries accept U.S. debit or credit cards, or you may plan to give money as gifts to friends or family abroad. Traveling with a lot of cash can come with some risks, such as having it stolen, drawing the attention of officials, or simply losing your wallet.

Fight Back With a NYC Airport Cash Seizure Lawyer

If you’ve had cash seized at an NYC airport, criminal defense attorney Jonathan Savella can provide fierce representation to help you get your money returned and handle any associated civil or criminal issues. Contact The Law Office of Jonathan Savella immediately to learn your legal options.