PASSENGERS who try and take their leftover snacks from the plane might end up facing huge fines when they land – or even get flagged on future flights.
US traveller Dylan O’Byrne found this out the hard way when returning to the country.
Your plane snack could get you fined and even given a “black mark”[/caption]
Travelling back from Southeast Asia, he packed a banana in his bag during his airport layover in Germany.
But after landing – and saying he had nothing to declare – he was stopped by sniffer dogs who found his banana.
Customs offers then said he had violated the rules of bringing in agricultural produce, and said he would “face a penalty”.
Mr O’Byrne said that while he is yet to get the fine, he found out that he could face paying up to $500 (£394).
He explained on his social media: “I know what can and can’t be brought across borders – I’ve travelled my entire life, visited over 20 countries, and explored all 50 states thoroughly.
“I completely respect the need for border security, but I also hope there’s room for common sense in how penalties are applied.
“Laws meant to protect our nation should focus on real threats, not travelers who make a minor, unintentional error after 40 hours in transit.”
While most passengers are aware of the rules when it comes to taking food or produce through, some may not think this applies to food bought during the travel period.
And Mr O’Byrne isn’t the first person this has happened to.
Back in 2022, mum Kathleen was detained for more than an hour at US customs after she forgot about an orange in her son’s bag.
Flying from the Bahamas to Washington, she was stopped during her connection at Miami.
Not only that, but she said she had a “black mark or sorts” against her name which saw her called for checks every time she went through after that.
While she wasn’t fined, she said: “Lesson learned: if you bring food and veg on board for snacks, it cannot leave the plane.”
The current US rules state: “Prohibited or restricted items may include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil and products made from animal or plant materials.
“This includes fresh fruits or vegetables given to you on your airplane or cruise ship.”
Passengers who declare it will not face penalties, although it is likely to be thrown away.
Brits returning to the UK do not have to follow such strict rules.
Some restrictions include meat when returning from Germany, or a number of fruits if coming from outside the UK.
This includes pineapple, coconut, mango, dates and packages salads, as well as nut butters and rice.
Here’s everything you need to know about taking food through security.
Make sure to check the rules – or leave the food on the plane[/caption]
