A Maine coon cat named Mittens accidentally traveled between New Zealand and Australia three times in 24 hours after being left in a plane’s cargo hold. The incident occurred on January 13, 2025, when Mittens was booked for a one-way flight from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia, with her owner, Margo Neas.
- Mittens the cat became an accidental jetsetter.
- Owner Margo Neas waited three hours for Mittens.
- Air New Zealand pilot adjusted cargo hold temperature.
- Pet moving company ensured Mittens' safe return.
- Airline apologized and will reimburse travel costs.
- Mittens is now more affectionate with her family.
After waiting for three hours without seeing Mittens, Neas learned that the plane had returned to New Zealand with the cat still on board. Ground staff explained that a stowed wheelchair had blocked the view of Mittens’ cage, leading to the oversight.
The unusual travel saga of Mittens began when her owner, Margo Neas, was left waiting for her cat after arriving in Melbourne. After three hours, ground staff informed her that Mittens had inadvertently remained on the plane when it returned to New Zealand. The flight duration for the return trip was approximately 7.5 hours. During the flight, the Air New Zealand pilot was made aware of Mittens and ensured the cargo hold was heated to keep her comfortable.
Neas expressed her disbelief at the situation, questioning how such an oversight could occur. The airline later explained that a wheelchair obstructed the baggage handler’s view of Mittens’ cage, which contributed to the mix-up. Following the incident, the pet moving company arranged for Mittens to be flown back to Melbourne, where she was reunited with Neas. Although Mittens lost some weight during her unexpected journey, she was otherwise unharmed.
Upon her return, Neas described a heartwarming reunion, stating that Mittens snuggled up to her, displaying affection that was unusual for the cat. Air New Zealand has since apologized for the distress caused and committed to reimbursing all travel costs associated with the incident. The airline also pledged to work closely with its ground handlers to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident with Mittens highlights the importance of communication and careful handling of pets during air travel. With a happy ending for both Mittens and Neas, this story serves as a reminder of the potential challenges faced by pet owners when relocating internationally.
