A Maine coon cat named Mittens became an accidental jetsetter this month when she was overlooked in a plane cargo hold, resulting in her making three trips in 24 hours between New Zealand and Australia. On January 13, Mittens was booked for one-way travel from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia, but after her cage was obscured, she remained on board the plane during its return trip to New Zealand.
- Mittens the cat became an accidental jetsetter.
- She traveled between New Zealand and Australia.
- Owner Margo Neas faced distress during wait.
- Pilot ensured Mittens' comfort in cargo hold.
- Air New Zealand will reimburse travel costs.
- Mittens became more affectionate after ordeal.
The incident began when Mittens’ owner, Margo Neas, awaited her arrival in Melbourne. After three hours with no sign of the cat, ground staff informed Neas that Mittens was still on the plane, which had returned to New Zealand. The pilot was alerted during the flight and took measures to ensure Mittens was comfortable by turning on the heating in the cargo hold.
Key details of the incident include:
- Mittens was scheduled for one-way travel.
- The flight duration from New Zealand to Australia is approximately 7.5 hours.
- A stowed wheelchair blocked the view of Mittens’ cage, leading to the oversight.
Upon her return to Christchurch, the pet moving company arranged for Mittens to be flown back to Melbourne without further incident. Although she lost some weight during the ordeal, Mittens was otherwise unharmed. Neas expressed relief upon reuniting with her cat, noting that Mittens was unusually affectionate after the experience. Air New Zealand has committed to reimbursing all costs associated with the travel and apologized for the distress caused to Neas and her family.
The story of Mittens highlights the importance of proper handling and communication during pet travel. With Air New Zealand’s commitment to improving their processes, future travelers can hope for a smoother experience when transporting their pets.
