Woman was fined $500 for bringing a single apple into the airport

2025-04-27 22:55:03admin

Going through security and customs isn't anyone's favorite part of traveling, but sometimes it's not just inconvenient -- it can get super pricey.

Crystal Tadlock, a Colorado woman returning from France over the weekend, was fined $500 for one single apple.

This apple wasn't plucked from a French orchard or taken from an open air Parisian market, however. instead, Delta gave it to Tadlock.

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Tadlock had been given the apple on the flight and put it in her carry-on without a second thought. Later, when she was going through customs, an agent pulled it out.

"He had asked me if my trip to France was expensive and I said, 'yeah.' I didn't really get why he was asking that question, and then he said 'It's about to get a lot more expensive after I charge you $500,'" Tadlock said to Fox 31-TV. "It's really unfortunate someone has to go through that and be treated like a criminal over a piece of fruit."

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Tadlock says she wishes Delta had warned passengers not to take food off the plane.

She says she understands why the rules are in place, but says, "the apple is from Delta and ... that [is] the most important part to take away from this."

In addition to the fine, Tadlock has also lost her global entry status, a program that allows for expedited clearance into the United States for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Apparently, carrying airline fruit makes you high-risk.

Delta told the Washington Postthat food "is given with intention you consume it on board."

In a statement to ABC7, Delta said that "they encourage customers to follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection protocols."

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