Flying Fruit

I agree that it’s a very good idea to take along fresh fruit to eat on a long flight (“Feel-Good Ideas for Long Flights,” Aug. 9). But every time I’ve tried it, the fruit was taken away from me, either at security or by the airline personnel. I don’t understand the interstate or international quarantine laws or is it simply that the airlines have their own rules?

SAMUEL J. LOSH

Pasadena

Kathy Doheny responds: Taking fruit on board domestic or foreign-bound flights is allowed except for travelers departing from special quarantine areas, such as those specified for Medflies, according to several major airlines and the U.S. Customs office. But some countries (including the United States) restrict importation of fruit from foreign destinations.