A "free" airline snack turned into a $500 headache for one woman.
She was just returning to the United States from France and was fined $500 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for bringing an apple into the country that was given to her by Delta Airlines while she was on the plane.
It was a free snack, and according to Fox News, was handed out in a plastic bag with a Delta logo.
Crystal Tadlock, who lives near Denver, told local channel Fox 31 News that when she went through customs, her bag was randomly searched.
When the customs agent pulled out the apple in the Delta bag, Tadlock explained she got the apple from the airline and asked if she could throw it away or eat it.
The agent said no, and handed her a $500 fine.
A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection told Fox News, "We encourage customers to adhere to U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies and requirements."
According to the CBP website, "every fruit or vegetable must be declared to a CBP Agriculture Specialist or CBP Officer and must be presented for inspection."
Not only does Tadlock think the fine is high, but she lost her Global Entry Status.
She says she’s planning to take this to court and fight the fine.
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