In brief
After being left in a cargo hold, Mittens the cat experienced an unexpected three-flight journey. Thanks to attentive airport staff, she was safely returned to her owner, who is relieved despite the mishap.
Mittens, an eight-year-old Maine Coon, has become the center of an astonishing air travel tale after being overlooked during a flight from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia. The feline's wild journey began on January 12 when her cage was forgotten in the cargo hold of the plane, leading to her boarding the return trip to New Zealand.Owner Margo Neas eagerly awaited her beloved pet at Melbourne airport but was met with distressing news that Mittens was still on the aircraft, set for a second trip to Christchurch. “They said: ‘Look, we have located your cat - but it's actually on the return flight to Christchurch,’” Neas recounted to NBC.The ground crew assured Neas that the airplane’s heating system had been activated to keep Mittens warm during her unexpected stay in the cargo hold. Fortunately, the brave kitty emerged from her unusual ordeal relatively unscathed, albeit a bit lighter in weight.As concerns mounted over the mix-up, investigations were launched to understand how Mittens was overlooked. Preliminary reports indicate that a stowed wheelchair may have obstructed the baggage handler's view of her cage.In the aftermath, Air New Zealand has issued a public apology to Neas, expressing regret for the emotional distress caused and offering to reimburse her travel expenses. The airline's policies prohibit public direct bookings for animal travel during international flights, necessitating reservations through approved pet carrier services.Finally reunited with Mittens, Neas expressed her joy, stating, “She basically just ran into my arms and just snuggled up in here and just did the biggest cuddles of all time. It was just such a relief." As she begins her new life in Melbourne, Neas is hopeful that this unusual start won't mar her family's adventures ahead, despite the initial setback.
