Colorado woman to face $500 fine for free apple given on flight

A Colorado woman is facing a $500 fine for a free apple that was given to her on a Delta flight. 

Crystal Tadlock was on her way home from Paris, when she said she was given an apple from a flight attendant, according to CNN. 

"The violation is for one apple," said Tadlock.

Tadlock said she wasn’t hungry so she just put the snack in her carry-on. But, when she went through customs her bag was randomly searched by an agent who pulled out the apple in the plastic pouch from Delta. 

"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," said Tadlock.

Tadlock expressed her frustration in saying that Delta should’ve at least warned passengers not to take the apples off the plane.

"I understand the laws and the department of agriculture doesn’t want certain insects in the US. But once again, the apple is from Delta and I think that’s the most important part of this story." 

The airline released a statement saying, "We encourage our customers to follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection Protocols." 

According to CNN, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol said "Privacy Policy prohibits U.S. Customs and Border Patrol from discussing the details of any individuals specific inspection, however all agriculture items must be declared." 

All of this because of an apple. Tadlock says that is tough to swallow.