In a bizarre turn of events, Mittens, an eight-year-old Maine Coon cat, found herself airborne for three flights within 24 hours after being accidentally left on an Air New Zealand plane.
Mittens Makes Unexpected Multi-Flight Journey After Being Forgotten on Plane
Mittens Makes Unexpected Multi-Flight Journey After Being Forgotten on Plane
An adorable Maine Coon's travel mishap underscores the importance of proper pet handling during air travel.
Despite this extraordinary journey, Mittens was unharmed but lost a bit of weight. Her owner, Margo Neas, had booked her to fly from Christchurch to Melbourne on January 12, 2023. After arriving in Melbourne and anxiously waiting for three hours at the airport, Neas was informed by staff that her beloved Mittens had remained in the cargo hold while the plane returned to New Zealand.
Neas shared her disbelief with NBC, stating, "They said: 'Look, we have located your cat - but it's actually on the return flight to Christchurch...'" Confused and upset, she pressed for answers. Staff explained that a stowed wheelchair might have blocked the baggage handler's view of Mittens's cage. In response to the distressing situation, Air New Zealand turned on heating in the cargo to keep Mittens comfortable, accommodating the potentially chilly 7°C environment.
Later, Mittens was flown back to Melbourne in order to reunite with Neas, resulting in an emotional embrace. "She basically just ran into my arms and just snuggled up in here and just did the biggest cuddles of all time," Neas shared, revealing her immense relief at being reunited with her pet.
Although Air New Zealand has apologized for the incident and vowed to cover all related travel expenses, they typically do not allow direct animal bookings for international flights, requiring passengers to book through approved pet transport firms. Neas, who relocated to Australia, expressed that the ordeal was not the best start to their new life. The direct flight from Christchurch to Melbourne usually lasts less than four hours, leaving a whimsical tale of travel for Mittens.
This incident is currently under investigation, emphasizing the need for stringent protocols when handling pets during air travel. The unique circumstances of Mittens's flights reflect the challenges and responsibilities that come with moving pets across borders.
Neas shared her disbelief with NBC, stating, "They said: 'Look, we have located your cat - but it's actually on the return flight to Christchurch...'" Confused and upset, she pressed for answers. Staff explained that a stowed wheelchair might have blocked the baggage handler's view of Mittens's cage. In response to the distressing situation, Air New Zealand turned on heating in the cargo to keep Mittens comfortable, accommodating the potentially chilly 7°C environment.
Later, Mittens was flown back to Melbourne in order to reunite with Neas, resulting in an emotional embrace. "She basically just ran into my arms and just snuggled up in here and just did the biggest cuddles of all time," Neas shared, revealing her immense relief at being reunited with her pet.
Although Air New Zealand has apologized for the incident and vowed to cover all related travel expenses, they typically do not allow direct animal bookings for international flights, requiring passengers to book through approved pet transport firms. Neas, who relocated to Australia, expressed that the ordeal was not the best start to their new life. The direct flight from Christchurch to Melbourne usually lasts less than four hours, leaving a whimsical tale of travel for Mittens.
This incident is currently under investigation, emphasizing the need for stringent protocols when handling pets during air travel. The unique circumstances of Mittens's flights reflect the challenges and responsibilities that come with moving pets across borders.
