Woman 'fined $500 over free Delta Air Lines flight apple'

A woman says she is facing a $500 (£357) fine from the US customs agency after a free apple she was given as a snack on a plane was found in her bag.

Crystal Tadlock, travelling to the US from Paris, said she was saving the fruit for her onward flight to Denver.

But the apple was found in a random search by US border agents after her first flight landed in Minneapolis.

US Customs and Border Patrol would not comment on the case, but said all agricultural items should be declared.

The apple was handed out in a plastic Delta Air Lines bag. Ms Tadlock said she did not remove it from the bag, and instead put it in her baggage for the second part of her journey to Denver, Colorado.

She posted a photo on Twitter of the plastic bag and box which had contained the contraband sliced fruit, adding the hashtag "#anappleadaydoesntkeepcustomsaway".

Twitter Post:

False. I did not enjoy the apple. Instead I received a $500 violation, had my global entry revoked (first time I’ve used it) AND I will be searched on every flight for the rest of my life 🚩#deltaforbiddenfruit #crystaltadlock #delta #applegatepic.twitter.com/ysGfTguppG

— VeganQuesoHead (@VeganQuesoHead) April 22, 2018

When the apple was found, Ms Tadlock told the border agent that she had just received it from the airline and asked whether she should throw it out or eat it.

Instead the agent handed her a $500 fine.

Ms Tadlock told CBS Denver that she travels frequently and had gone to France after winning a trip to tour the Grey Goose vodka castle in Paris.

"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'," she told KDVR-TV, adding that she wanted to take the case to court.

"It's really unfortunate someone has to go through that and be treated like a criminal over a piece of fruit," Ms Tadlock added.

Ms Tadlock also says that her Global Entry status, which allows for expedited security checks, has now been revoked.

A Delta Air Lines spokesperson told CBS Denver that "we encourage our customers to follow US Customs and Border Protection protocols".

"The apple in question was part of an in-flight meal meant to be consumed on the aircraft," Delta added.

My Response:

Audience: I think that the audience of this article is travelers coming to America. 

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to warn foreigners coming to America of its strict customs. 

Bias: There is actually a lot of bias in this article. Although it does seem a bit ridiculous that American customs would fine someone for a free apple, there are good reasons for them doing so. BBC is also usually biased against America. While reading this article, it makes it feel like the main point is how incredibly ridiculous American customs are. It is almost mockery in fact. So there is definitely bias against America.

My Opinion: I think that it is a little bit crazy that she was fined such a large amount for a free apple. However, i don't think that American customs are outrageous, or deserve to be mocked in this kind of way. It is good that they are thorough. 

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43864113