The story of Mittens the cat has captured attention as she navigated multiple flights due to human error, highlighting issues of pet travel logistics and airline responsibility.
Cat Survives Three Flights in 24 Hours After Being Left Behind on Plane
Cat Survives Three Flights in 24 Hours After Being Left Behind on Plane
An eight-year-old Maine Coon inspires both concern and relief after an unexpected journey
On January 12, an eight-year-old Maine Coon named Mittens became an unintentional passenger on three flights within a 24-hour period after being accidentally left behind on an Air New Zealand plane. Initially booked to travel from Christchurch to Melbourne, Mittens was discovered to have been left in the aircraft’s cargo hold while her owner, Margo Neas, waited for her arrival at Melbourne airport.
Neas was informed that after waiting for three hours, the aircraft had already returned to New Zealand with Mittens still onboard. Ground staff explained that the flight crew acted promptly by turning on the heating in the cargo hold to ensure Mittens' comfort during her unintended journey back. Remarkably, once the error was identified, the airline arranged for Mittens to be flown back to Melbourne to reunite with Ms. Neas.
Upon learning of what had happened, Neas expressed shock at the mishap and questioned how such an oversight could occur. Reports indicate that the situation may have been exacerbated by a stowed wheelchair that blocked a baggage handler's view of Mittens' cage, which calls into question airline protocol for pet travel and the responsibilities of ground staff.
Air New Zealand has since issued an apology for the incident and has promised to cover all travel expenses related to this mix-up. It’s important to note that the airline does not accept direct bookings for animals on international flights, requiring passengers to book through authorized pet carriers.
While the incident has raised concerns among pet owners regarding airline practices, Neas ultimately expressed relief at being finally reunited with Mittens, describing a heartwarming moment where the cat "ran into my arms" for a long-awaited cuddle. This unexpected series of events posed challenges for the family as they began their new life in Melbourne, with Neas reflecting that this was not the ideal start to their journey. The typical one-way flight time between Christchurch and Melbourne is under four hours, further underscoring the unusual nature of Mittens' travel saga.
Neas was informed that after waiting for three hours, the aircraft had already returned to New Zealand with Mittens still onboard. Ground staff explained that the flight crew acted promptly by turning on the heating in the cargo hold to ensure Mittens' comfort during her unintended journey back. Remarkably, once the error was identified, the airline arranged for Mittens to be flown back to Melbourne to reunite with Ms. Neas.
Upon learning of what had happened, Neas expressed shock at the mishap and questioned how such an oversight could occur. Reports indicate that the situation may have been exacerbated by a stowed wheelchair that blocked a baggage handler's view of Mittens' cage, which calls into question airline protocol for pet travel and the responsibilities of ground staff.
Air New Zealand has since issued an apology for the incident and has promised to cover all travel expenses related to this mix-up. It’s important to note that the airline does not accept direct bookings for animals on international flights, requiring passengers to book through authorized pet carriers.
While the incident has raised concerns among pet owners regarding airline practices, Neas ultimately expressed relief at being finally reunited with Mittens, describing a heartwarming moment where the cat "ran into my arms" for a long-awaited cuddle. This unexpected series of events posed challenges for the family as they began their new life in Melbourne, with Neas reflecting that this was not the ideal start to their journey. The typical one-way flight time between Christchurch and Melbourne is under four hours, further underscoring the unusual nature of Mittens' travel saga.
