What one traveler innocently threw into her bag then caused a surprisingly serious issue with airport customs.
Bringing your own food on a plane? Influencer was eyeing $800 fine after packing this carry-on food item
Dina, a travel influencer from North Carolina with Global Entry status, found herself nearly $800 poorer – and temporarily detained – because of what she packed in her carry-on. Returning from a trip to Amsterdam, she was waiting at baggage claim when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer approached her, led by a very determined sniffer dog.
“Do you have any food on you?” the officer asked.
That’s when it hit her. “Shoot … I forgot I had something on me,” Dina (disoverwithdina) said in a TikTok that’s racked up almost a million views at the time of writing.
Watch out what food you bring back
Authorities pulled her aside, took her passport, and rifled through her bags. The cause of the commotion? An undeclared apple.
Yes, an apple. One innocent, red apple.
That snack could have cost her up to $800 in fines: $300 for not declaring the item, and another $500 for violating Global Entry rules. Had she lied about it, she might have lost her fast-track privileges altogether.
U.S. rules are strict: any agricultural product from abroad must be declared, including fruit, meat, seeds, and even flowers. The USDA warns such items can harbor pests and diseases harmful to American crops. She also highlights purchases over $800 and cash, including travelers checks, over $10,000.
Dina escaped with a warning, something she passes on to her followers.
“Declare everything,” she says. “Even the healthy stuff.”
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.