I understand they are trying to avoid the risk of potentially introducing foreign flora/fauna into the country, but the airline really should've announced to passengers before deplaning that they can't take the in-flight food with them.
And customs should be waiving the fee, given the passengers were basically entrapped by the airline. A simple "hey we need to confiscate those apples, then you're free to go" would have made this a non-issue.
If you’ve ever flown into New Zealand, you will know there are numerous signs and warnings that bringing any organic produce into the country is illegal and will be met with fines.
If you declare it, they’ll just take it off you and let you go.
Don’t declare it, you get a fine.
It’s not hard. Unsure? Declare it.
[edit] But also, Quantas are in the wrong here. They’re an Australian airline, and Australia has similar biosecurity laws. The fact they served their customers fruit, and didn’t inform them is poor form.
So if eating the apple whilst still on the plane makes it legal - does it fall under that same description/distinction if I shove it up my ass instead? Does the law cite this particular case?
Asking for a friend.
Unrelated, if anyone knows a lawyer specialised in butt apples, pls let me know. Like asap.
Well I mean you're probably supposed to eat the fruit in the plane not off the plane. I'm surprised you didn't know that bringing fruit into countries is illegal honestly, it's been a meme since the '80s at least.