Emotional Support Peacock Not Allowed to Fly on United

A woman was not allowed to bring an emotional support peacock on a recent United flight from Newark Liberty International Airport even after she bought the bird its own ticket.

The unidentified woman claimed she had a right to bring the bird on the flight because it was an emotional support animal, according to travel blog Live and Let Fly. The airline denied her, saying the animal did not fit its guidelines for support animals.

In a statement, United told Fox News the woman had been told ahead of time that she would not be able to bring the peacock on the flight but showed up to the airport with it anyway.

"This animal did not meet guidelines for a number of reasons, including its weight and size. We explained this to the customers on three separate occasions before they arrived at the airport," the statement read.

United’s guidelines state that support animals need to sit on the floor in front of the passenger’s seat without obstructing the aisle, and that documentation needs to be filed at least 48 hours before the flight.

Delta announced changes to its support animal policy Jan. 19 after reporting an 86 percent increase in animal-related incidents like urination, aggression, and biting on its flights since 2016. The new rules require proof that support animals are well trained and have all their vaccinations, as well as having a doctor sign that the support animal is necessary for that purpose.

United told Fox it also is re-evaluating its support animal policies. 

Twitter was a bit incredulous at the idea of an emotional support peacock.

If you need a peacock for emotional support, your instability is likely a danger to other passengers on a plane, with or without the bird. Seek more help, flying can wait 😳

— Elongated Muskrat (@Elong8dMuskrat) January 30, 2018

Never heard of a “potty trained” peacock, but I guess anything is possible.

— GAYLE CARMELLO (@gcofmt42) January 30, 2018

As someone involved with placing highly trained service animals with people who desperately need them, I really hold those who abuse the system in the lowest of regard. Glad @united is drawing a line.

— motionview (@motionview) January 30, 2018

• Delta Emotional-Support Animals Draw Complaints, New Requirements
• Delta Dog Bite: Passenger Attacked by Emotional Support Animal