Mittens, a Maine Coon, experiences an unexpected adventure after her cage is accidentally forgotten on an Air New Zealand flight.
**Cat's Remarkable Journey: Pet Flies Three Times in 24 Hours After Being Forgotten on Plane**
**Cat's Remarkable Journey: Pet Flies Three Times in 24 Hours After Being Forgotten on Plane**
A New Zealand cat inadvertently travels between countries after being left behind.
In what can only be described as a remarkable aviation saga, an eight-year-old Maine Coon cat named Mittens has embarked on three flights within a mere 24 hours, after being inadvertently left behind on an Air New Zealand plane. The furry traveler was initially scheduled to fly from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia, on January 12. However, Mittens’ carrier was mistakenly left in the aircraft's cargo hold, leading to a whirlwind of travel for the forgotten feline.
After waiting anxiously for three hours at Melbourne Airport, Mittens' owner, Margo Neas, learned from ground personnel that her beloved pet had not disembarked with her but had begun the return trip to Christchurch. "They [the staff] said: 'Look, we have located your cat - but it's actually on the return flight to Christchurch...'" Neas recounted, expressing her astonishment at the oversight. She quizzed the staff on how the error had gone unnoticed until that point but received no clear answers.
In a fortunate twist, the airline took measures to ensure Mittens' comfort during her unintended voyage. Reports indicate that the pilot had been notified to activate the cargo hold's heating, as temperatures could drop as low as 7C. Despite experiencing some weight loss, Mittens was found in good health when she was eventually flown back to Melbourne to reunite with Neas.
The area surrounding the incident is still under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting that a stowed wheelchair may have obstructed a baggage handler's view of Mittens’ cage, leading to her being overlooked. Air New Zealand has since issued an apology for the distress caused to Neas and promised to cover travel-related expenses. It’s worth noting that due to company policy, direct animal bookings for international departure are not permitted, necessitating arrangements through accredited pet carriers.
Mittens’ reunion with her owner was a heartwarming moment. “She basically just ran into my arms… Just did the biggest cuddles of all time,” Neas shared, reflecting on the relief of having her family complete again. She described the chaotic start to their new life in Melbourne as less than ideal, given that they had moved for a fresh beginning without their cherished cat.
As travel time between Christchurch and Melbourne typically spans less than four hours, Mittens' brief but intensive adventure compounded an already significant journey for both pet and owner alike, cementing her as an enduring symbol of the unpredictable nature of air travel.
After waiting anxiously for three hours at Melbourne Airport, Mittens' owner, Margo Neas, learned from ground personnel that her beloved pet had not disembarked with her but had begun the return trip to Christchurch. "They [the staff] said: 'Look, we have located your cat - but it's actually on the return flight to Christchurch...'" Neas recounted, expressing her astonishment at the oversight. She quizzed the staff on how the error had gone unnoticed until that point but received no clear answers.
In a fortunate twist, the airline took measures to ensure Mittens' comfort during her unintended voyage. Reports indicate that the pilot had been notified to activate the cargo hold's heating, as temperatures could drop as low as 7C. Despite experiencing some weight loss, Mittens was found in good health when she was eventually flown back to Melbourne to reunite with Neas.
The area surrounding the incident is still under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting that a stowed wheelchair may have obstructed a baggage handler's view of Mittens’ cage, leading to her being overlooked. Air New Zealand has since issued an apology for the distress caused to Neas and promised to cover travel-related expenses. It’s worth noting that due to company policy, direct animal bookings for international departure are not permitted, necessitating arrangements through accredited pet carriers.
Mittens’ reunion with her owner was a heartwarming moment. “She basically just ran into my arms… Just did the biggest cuddles of all time,” Neas shared, reflecting on the relief of having her family complete again. She described the chaotic start to their new life in Melbourne as less than ideal, given that they had moved for a fresh beginning without their cherished cat.
As travel time between Christchurch and Melbourne typically spans less than four hours, Mittens' brief but intensive adventure compounded an already significant journey for both pet and owner alike, cementing her as an enduring symbol of the unpredictable nature of air travel.
