Peacocks Not Allowed

We all need a little emotional support now and then.

Some people choose to rely on friends, family members or perhaps a canine companion. Others opt to get that support from birds. Very large birds.

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According to a BBC report, a female traveler was recently turned away by United Airlines when she sought to board with a large “emotional-support peacock.”

The woman offered to buy the bird its own plane ticket in order to ensure there would be room for her companion onboard. United officials, however, refused to let the bird board at New Jersey’s Newark airport.

The official response, according to BBC, was that the bird, whose name is Dexter, did not meet guidelines, due to its weight and size. United said this restriction was explained to the passenger before she arrived at the airport.

The story is now making the rounds, with pictures of the stunning bird and its owner, who were trying to get to Los Angeles, emerging on The Jet Set, a travel talk show.

READ MORE: Delta to Get Tough on Emotional Support Dogs

The peacock belongs to Brooklyn-based artist Ventiko, whose real name is not known.Ventiko documents the bird’s life on social media and has been quoted in the past saying that Dexter has significantly changed her life, in a positive way.

Ventiko did not give up easily on her wish to fly with her peacock companion. She spent six hours at the airport.

According to BBC an increasing number of passengers have been seeking to fly with support animals in recent years.

Eventually, it seems, Ventiko opted to make her trip to California by car, a journey that will give both Ventiko and Dexter plenty of time to take in the sights.