"I am unauthorized to do that, and I could be fined if I did so,"
The implication of this exchanges is the AA employee is concerned about some government regulation or law.
That being the case, the rights of the passenger were violated in two ways:
Amendment IV
"...warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
The AA employee had no warrant, fulfilling the requirements of the 4th amendment.
Amdnement V
"... nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation."
It is for the public use that his property was taken.
If the AA employee was not acting as a deputized federal agent, but as a private citizen employed by AA, acting on AA's private property regulation, then she should be charged with theft.
It should come as no surprise to you that I like your demonstrated ability to reason.
ML/NJ