In an astonishing incident, an eight-year-old Maine Coon cat named Mittens found herself embarking on three flights in a mere 24 hours after being inadvertently left behind on an Air New Zealand plane. The mishap occurred when her cage was accidentally left in the aircraft's cargo hold following a scheduled trip from Christchurch to Melbourne on January 12.
Cat Survives Unlikely Journey: Three Flights in 24 Hours After Being Forgotten on Plane
Cat Survives Unlikely Journey: Three Flights in 24 Hours After Being Forgotten on Plane
An incredible tale of resilience as Mittens, a Maine Coon, endures unexpected travels between New Zealand and Australia.
After waiting in vain for her feline companion at Melbourne airport, owner Margo Neas learned from ground staff that Mittens had already been sent back to New Zealand. "They said: 'Look, we have located your cat - but it's actually on the return flight to Christchurch,'" Ms Neas recounted during an NBC interview. The revelation startled her, prompting questions about how such a blunder had occurred.
Fortunately, during the return trip, the plane’s heating system was activated to ensure Mittens' comfort, alleviating some concerns as the temperature in the cargo hold could drop to as low as 7C. While she did lose some weight during the ordeal, she was overall unharmed. Following this surprising series of events, Air New Zealand arranged for Mittens to be flown back to Melbourne for a heartfelt reunion with her owner.
Ms Neas expressed immense relief when reunited: "She basically just ran into my arms and just snuggled up in here and just did the biggest cuddles of all time." The chaotic travel day started off on a difficult note as Ms Neas aimed to relocate her family to Australia.
Despite the mix-up, Air New Zealand is investigating how Mittens was overlooked, attributing the error to a stowed wheelchair that may have obstructed the baggage handler's view of her cage. In response to the incident, the airline has issued an apology and plans to reimburse all expenses incurred during this unexpected journey. It's worth noting that the airline does not accept direct bookings for animal travel on international flights, as arrangements must be made through approved pet carriers.
Fortunately, during the return trip, the plane’s heating system was activated to ensure Mittens' comfort, alleviating some concerns as the temperature in the cargo hold could drop to as low as 7C. While she did lose some weight during the ordeal, she was overall unharmed. Following this surprising series of events, Air New Zealand arranged for Mittens to be flown back to Melbourne for a heartfelt reunion with her owner.
Ms Neas expressed immense relief when reunited: "She basically just ran into my arms and just snuggled up in here and just did the biggest cuddles of all time." The chaotic travel day started off on a difficult note as Ms Neas aimed to relocate her family to Australia.
Despite the mix-up, Air New Zealand is investigating how Mittens was overlooked, attributing the error to a stowed wheelchair that may have obstructed the baggage handler's view of her cage. In response to the incident, the airline has issued an apology and plans to reimburse all expenses incurred during this unexpected journey. It's worth noting that the airline does not accept direct bookings for animal travel on international flights, as arrangements must be made through approved pet carriers.
