A United Airlines passenger who tried to take her emotional support peacock with her on a cross-country flight has been turned away by the airline.

New York City-based photographer and performance artist Ventiko says she bought a ticket for her peacock, Dexter, so he would have his own seat on the flight from New Jersey to Los Angeles.

An airline spokeswoman says the peacock didn’t meet guidelines for several reasons, including its size and weight.

Ventiko was warned three times “before they arrived at the airport”, that the bird would not be allowed to fly.

Dexter’s Instagram account notes his “human friends” will be driving him cross- country.

It also shows off his close relationship with owner Ventiko…