TSA Nearly Fined This Passenger $800 — Over an Apple
An apple a day might keep the doctor away — but it can also get you in hot water with Customs and Border Protection. Just ask the traveler who shared her near-$800 mistake on TikTok after returning to the United States from Amsterdam.
An Innocent Snack Turns Risky
TikTok user Discovering with Dina found herself in the middle of a fruit-fueled airport debacle. Her clip shows her calmly standing by the baggage claim with a carry-on, seemingly unaware that a K-9 was about to sniff out an undeclared apple hidden in her bag. That innocent apple nearly triggered a hefty fine and the loss of her Global Entry status.
The Airport Showdown
According to Dina, a Customs and Border Control officer approached her and asked if she had any food, explaining that the dog had detected something. That's when it hit her — she had completely forgotten to declare the apple she picked up in Amsterdam. Though it wasn’t smuggled or hidden, she admitted the mistake could've cost her a lot.
"I could fine you $500 right now and revoke your Global Entry," the officer reportedly said, according to PEOPLE.
Customs officials took her passport and searched her bags. Had she lied, the fine could have been even steeper — $300 for lying and another $500 for carrying the undeclared fruit, a total of $800 in potential penalties.
Why an Apple Is a Big Deal
The issue isn't the apple itself — it's what it could carry. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, all agricultural items must be declared because they may harbor plant pests or foreign animal diseases. Even something as ordinary as a fresh piece of fruit can be considered risky.
Items like fruits, meats, seeds, and soil are closely scrutinized. That means even a healthy snack stashed in your bag could turn into a customs nightmare if not declared.
A Close Call and a Big Lesson
Dina walked away with a warning — but many others haven't been so lucky. One commenter on her video claimed they lost their Global Entry status and were fined $500 over a plum. Another shared that they declared an unopened Diet Coke just to be safe.
Dina admitted the oversight was genuine. She noted that customs no longer requires in-flight declaration forms, and she didn't realize that even processed foods needed to be reported. According to PEOPLE, she now warns fellow travelers, saying, "When in doubt, declare it to avoid fines and confiscation ... Thankfully, I was given a warning because this is my first offense, but this was a reminder to take it seriously. I genuinely forgot about the apple, and declaring it wasn't top of mind since they stopped having you fill out those forms on the plane. I also didn't know you are supposed to declare all food, even if it's processed."
Rules You Shouldn't Forget
When entering the U.S., travelers must declare:
- Purchases over $800
- Cash or traveler's checks exceeding $10,000
- All food, plant, and animal products
Failing to do so — even if unintentional — could result in fines, confiscation of items, or revocation of trusted traveler programs like Global Entry.
A Tasty Reminder
Dina's story is now a cautionary tale for every globetrotter. That piece of fruit may have seemed harmless, but in the eyes of border control, it's potentially dangerous cargo. So, the next time you're traveling internationally, check your bags — even the snack pouch. Because at customs, forgetting an apple can cost you more than just lunch.
References: Plane Passenger Was Stopped by TSA and Almost Received an $800 Fine for Traveling with an Apple | This Traveler Almost Received an $800 Fine and Lost Global Entry Over an Apple
