An artist was turned away from boarding a United Airlines flight with her “emotional support peacock” over health and safety concerns.
New York City-based performance artist Ventiko attempted to board a flight with the bird from New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport to Los Angeles on 28 January.
“Spent 6 hours trying to get on my flight to LA,” an Instagram post dedicated to the pet peacock, named Dexter, explained.
Ventiko had purchased a separate seat to take her colourful bird on the cross-country flight, however United Airlines said the passenger had been told in advance the peacock would not be allowed on the flight.
“We explained this to the customer on three separate occasions before they arrived at the airport,” a spokesperson for the Chicago-based airline said.
They added the animal “did not meet guidelines for a number of reasons, including its weight and size.”
The airline added: “We know that some customers require an emotional support animal to assist them through their journey.
“In order to ensure we provide the best service to everyone onboard our flights, consistent with government rules we currently require these customers to provide documentation from a medical professional and at least 48 hours advance notice.”
Video footage shared by The Jet Set TV shows Ventiko arriving at the airport with her peacock.
“I’m not kidding this woman is wrangling her peacock into the airport - right now, wrangling a peacock in the airport,” says a woman in the clip.
Dexter’s Instagram account added after the unsuccessful attempt: “Tomorrow my human friends are going to drive me cross country!”
Ventiko originally purchased Dexter for an art installation and has been living with him in her New York City loft. She has previously been photographed taking him for a walk in the US city on a lead.
“The universe put us together and he really changed my life in a positive way,” she told Bedford and Bowery last year. “Dexter disarms anybody he meets.”
0 comentários :
Post a Comment