Introduction

In an unbelievable twist of events, a cat named Mittens found herself on a wild journey, making three flights between New Zealand and Australia in just 24 hours after being accidentally left on a plane. This heartwarming yet chaotic story unfolded when the eight-year-old Maine Coon traveled from Christchurch to Melbourne on January 12.

The Unexpected Journey Begins

Owner Margo Neas was eagerly waiting for Mittens at Melbourne Airport, expecting to reunite with her furry friend. But after three hours of searching, airport ground staff delivered the shocking revelation that Mittens had been left behind in the cargo hold of the Air New Zealand aircraft. Little did anyone know, she was already on a return flight back to Christchurch!

Reactions to the Incident

Describing the moment she learned of the mishap, Ms. Neas recounted her conversation with airport staff: “They said: ‘Look, we have located your cat - but it’s actually on the return flight to Christchurch...’ I couldn’t believe it!” she exclaimed, still in disbelief about how a cat could be forgotten like that.

Mittens' Comfort

As luck would have it, the onboard crew took action once they were informed of Mittens’ situation. The temperature in the cargo hold, which can drop as low as 7°C (about 45°F), was regulated by turning on the heating to ensure Mittens remained comfortable during her unplanned adventure. Ms. Neas stated that despite losing some weight due to the stress, Mittens was otherwise unharmed.

The Reunion

Mittens’ story didn’t end there. After being safely transported back to Christchurch, she was promptly put on another flight back to Melbourne to finally reunite with her owner. Neas expressed her immense relief upon being rejoined with Mittens, who 'ran into my arms' and showered her with affection. It was a heartwarming moment she will never forget.

Airline's Response

Air New Zealand has apologized for the incident and is currently investigating how Mittens was overlooked. Early reports suggest that a stowed wheelchair may have blocked a baggage handler’s view of her cage, ultimately leading to this mix-up.

Travel Policy and Reassurances

The airline’s policy mandates that passengers cannot book direct flights for pets to international destinations, and instead must go through authorized pet carrier firms. However, Ms. Neas was eventually reassured by the airline that all her travel costs would be completely reimbursed.

Conclusion

Moreover, this incident became a cautionary tale for future travelers, highlighting the importance of double-checking that all pets are accounted for before flights. Neas, who is in the process of relocating to Australia, remarked: “It was not a great start to our new life in Melbourne because we didn’t have the family; we weren’t complete.”

Mittens’ extraordinary journey serves as a reminder of the sometimes bizarre challenges faced by pet owners and the special bond we share with our beloved companions. As the saying goes: 'Home is where the cat is,' and for Ms. Neas, there’s truly no place like home—especially with Mittens by her side!