Introduction

A furry travel saga unfolded recently as Mittens, an eight-year-old Maine Coon cat, unwittingly took three flights in just 24 hours after being accidentally left on an Air New Zealand airplane.

The Journey

Mittens was meant to travel from Christchurch to Melbourne on January 12, but her pet carrier was left behind in the aircraft's cargo hold. After waiting anxiously for three hours at Melbourne airport, her owner, Margo Neas, learned from airport staff that Mittens had been forgotten and the plane had already returned to New Zealand with her beloved feline still onboard.

Air New Zealand's Response

To ensure Mittens was comfortable during her unexpected journey, the heating system in the cargo area was turned on, keeping her warm during the flight. Although she lost weight during the ordeal, she was reported to be otherwise unharmed. Shortly after, Air New Zealand arranged for Mittens to be flown back to Melbourne to reunite with Neas.

Margo Neas's Reaction

“I was shocked!” Neas told NBC in an interview, recounting the moment she learned of the error. “They said: ‘Look, we have located your cat - but it's actually on the return flight to Christchurch...’” Ms Neas pressed for more information, asking how such a mix-up could happen. Ground staff informed her that the situation had only just come to light.

Cause of the Error

Reports indicate that a stowed wheelchair may have obstructed a baggage handler's view of Mittens' cage, leading to the oversight. The airline has since issued an apology for the distress caused to Neas and has promised to cover all her travel costs associated with the mishap.

Pet Travel Policy

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Air New Zealand does not allow direct bookings for animals on international flights from the public, requiring pet owners to book through designated pet carrier firms instead.

Reunion and Reflection

Once reunited, Mittens wasted no time showing her affection for Neas. "She ran into my arms and just snuggled up; it was the biggest cuddle of all time," Neas expressed, relief evident in her voice. “It was such a relief.”

Conclusion

Reflecting on the incident, Neas noted that the unexpected drama created a rocky start to their new life in Australia. “We didn’t feel complete without our family member,” she remarked. This amusing yet alarming event certainly highlights the importance of ensuring all pets are safely accounted for during travel. Travelers around the globe are now sharing Mittens' story, reminding everyone to double-check that no furry friends are left behind. Are you ready to make sure your pet is ready for flying? What safety measures do you take when traveling with animals?