Does it really matter? It's his cash - unless the state can PROVE he has it from illegal activity, it should be returned to him IMMEDIATELY.

There is NO legal limit on how much cash you can carry around the country - the 10K limit does NOT apply for intra-US travel, by plane, boat, train, bus, car, or foot.

The only limit that can be imposed on you is an arbitrary one by the state - if the state sees you have cash, they can (unfortunately) decide on the spot if they want to take it away from you or not. The forfeiture laws, which I consider among the most blatantly evil and un-Constitutional horrors to affect the People of this country, can cost you your cash, house, car or any other asset at the whim of the state or police.

As to the TSA - they do NOT have the right to count your cash, comment on it, or take it. They THINK they have the right to call the police and have them inspect your money and decide to confiscate it or not - and receive their 'reward'. The best thing to do - never, ever let the TSA know about or see your cash. Nothing good can come of it.