An extraordinary tale of endurance emerged when a cat, Mittens, accidentally boarded three flights between New Zealand and Australia after a confinement mishap.
Lost Cat Completes Unintentional Journey Between Countries After Airline Mix-Up
Lost Cat Completes Unintentional Journey Between Countries After Airline Mix-Up
A Kiwi cat undertakes three trans-Tasman flights in 24 hours, leaving her owner in shock.
Mittens, the eight-year-old Maine Coon, found herself unceremoniously traveling from Christchurch to Melbourne after being inadvertently left in the cargo hold of an Air New Zealand flight. This incident unfolded on January 12 when her owner, Margo Neas, arrived at Melbourne Airport to find her beloved feline absent.
After a tense three-hour wait, airport staff informed Ms. Neas that Mittens had inadvertently traveled back to New Zealand, as the plane was already en route. Ground personnel assured her that during the return flight, the heating had been switched on to ensure Mittens remained comfortable throughout her unexpected journey.
“We have located your cat, but she’s actually on the return flight to Christchurch,” staff told Neas, leaving her astonished over the airline’s blunder. Ms. Neas pressed for clarity, exclaiming, “How can this happen?”
An investigation into the mix-up is currently underway, with early reports suggesting that the view of Mittens's cage might have been obstructed by a stowed wheelchair, causing the oversight. In response, Air New Zealand has expressed regret for the distress caused and committed to reimbursing the travel expenses incurred due to this mix-up. It's noteworthy that Air New Zealand does not facilitate direct animal bookings for international travel, requiring passengers to utilize approved pet carriers.
Finally reunited at Melbourne Airport, Mittens ran straight into Ms. Neas’s arms, triggering a wave of overwhelming joy. “It was just such a relief,” she recounted, relishing the affectionate reconnecting moment with her pet. This unexpected incident marks an unusual beginning to Ms. Neas’s new life in Melbourne, as her family was not whole until Mittens returned.
The direct flight time from Christchurch to Melbourne is typically less than four hours, underscoring the peculiarity of Mittens’s adventurous misadventure across the Tasman Sea.
After a tense three-hour wait, airport staff informed Ms. Neas that Mittens had inadvertently traveled back to New Zealand, as the plane was already en route. Ground personnel assured her that during the return flight, the heating had been switched on to ensure Mittens remained comfortable throughout her unexpected journey.
“We have located your cat, but she’s actually on the return flight to Christchurch,” staff told Neas, leaving her astonished over the airline’s blunder. Ms. Neas pressed for clarity, exclaiming, “How can this happen?”
An investigation into the mix-up is currently underway, with early reports suggesting that the view of Mittens's cage might have been obstructed by a stowed wheelchair, causing the oversight. In response, Air New Zealand has expressed regret for the distress caused and committed to reimbursing the travel expenses incurred due to this mix-up. It's noteworthy that Air New Zealand does not facilitate direct animal bookings for international travel, requiring passengers to utilize approved pet carriers.
Finally reunited at Melbourne Airport, Mittens ran straight into Ms. Neas’s arms, triggering a wave of overwhelming joy. “It was just such a relief,” she recounted, relishing the affectionate reconnecting moment with her pet. This unexpected incident marks an unusual beginning to Ms. Neas’s new life in Melbourne, as her family was not whole until Mittens returned.
The direct flight time from Christchurch to Melbourne is typically less than four hours, underscoring the peculiarity of Mittens’s adventurous misadventure across the Tasman Sea.
