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Airline Denies Peacock A Seat On Flight
What are your thoughts on this?
Cedric Jackson
02.20.18

Airlines and emotional support animals seem to be all over the news lately.

Airlines do allow emotional support animals, but most of these animals are well-behaved dogs that can easily be controlled and are not likely to cause any problems.

Of course, it’s not really fair for someone to decide what kind of animal can be used for emotional support. A hamster can be just as emotionally supportive as a dog, right? What about a peacock?

The Jet Set
Source:
The Jet Set

When a woman bought herself and her peacock tickets for a flight, she assumed she would be allowed to bring the bird on the plane with her.

United Airlines claims that a representative told the woman from the beginning that she could not fly with the large bird in a seat beside her, even if she bought it a ticket. An airline spokesperson explained:

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

The airline claims that it does not have a problem with emotional support animals but explained that there are limits and rules about what types of animals are allowed to fly with their owners.

The spokesperson continued:

“United is dedicated to providing convenient and comfortable service to all of our customers. We know that some customers require an emotional support animal to assist them through their journey.”

The Jet Set
Source:
The Jet Set

One of the most important rules is that passengers must show documentation from a doctor that says they do in fact need an emotional support animal.

The passenger must also give the airline 48 hours’ notice before the flight. The spokesperson added:

“We are reviewing our existing policy and plan to share more soon.”

Another airline, Delta, recently had to review its policy and make changes to it after a large emotional support dog bit another passenger on the face. When Delta announced its new policy, the spokesperson explained that some people attempted to board planes with emotional support animals such as turkeys, gliding possums, snakes, and spiders.

The Jet Set
Source:
The Jet Set

At what point should airlines put their foot down?

Should passengers be able to bring any animal they want on a plane? What about the other passengers? Can peacocks really be emotional support animals?

Maybe once United releases its new policy, we will all have a better understanding of what types of animals are allowed. Until then, the next time you book a flight, remember that you not only have to worry about that kid behind you kicking your seat the entire flight, you also have to worry about possibly riding beside a snake or peacock.

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