Mittens, the cat, was inadvertently left in her cage in the plane's cargo hold during a scheduled trip from Christchurch to Melbourne on January 12. After her owner, Margo Neas, waited anxiously for three hours at Melbourne Airport, she learned that Mittens was still aboard the plane, which had already started its return journey to New Zealand. Ground staff quickly reassured Neas, saying the heating was turned on for Mittens to keep her warm during the journey. Fortunately, Mittens ended up being flown back to Melbourne the next day, where her owner was eagerly waiting. Speaking to NBC, Neas expressed her shock and concern about how the incident occurred. She was told that a wheelchair in the cargo area may have obstructed the view of Mittens's cage, contributing to the oversight. Air New Zealand has publicly apologized for the error and has committed to covering the travel costs incurred. After a harrowing day, Neas was joyfully reunited with her beloved pet, saying Mittens jumped into her arms for a heartfelt embrace. Despite the chaotic start to their new life in Australia, Neas felt overwhelming relief to finally have her furry companion back by her side. The typical flight between Christchurch and Melbourne lasts less than four hours, making Mittens's journey quite the unexpected saga.
Cat’s Unexpected 24-Hour Adventure: From Kiwi to Aussie Skies
Cat’s Unexpected 24-Hour Adventure: From Kiwi to Aussie Skies
An eight-year-old Maine Coon, forgotten on an Air New Zealand flight, unexpectedly traveled three times between New Zealand and Australia.
Cat’s Unexpected 24-Hour Adventure: From Kiwi to Aussie Skies
An eight-year-old Maine Coon, forgotten on an Air New Zealand flight, unexpectedly traveled three times between New Zealand and Australia.
Mittens, the cat, was inadvertently left in her cage in the plane's cargo hold during a scheduled trip from Christchurch to Melbourne on January 12. After her owner, Margo Neas, waited anxiously for three hours at Melbourne Airport, she learned that Mittens was still aboard the plane, which had already started its return journey to New Zealand. Ground staff quickly reassured Neas, saying the heating was turned on for Mittens to keep her warm during the journey. Fortunately, Mittens ended up being flown back to Melbourne the next day, where her owner was eagerly waiting. Speaking to NBC, Neas expressed her shock and concern about how the incident occurred. She was told that a wheelchair in the cargo area may have obstructed the view of Mittens's cage, contributing to the oversight. Air New Zealand has publicly apologized for the error and has committed to covering the travel costs incurred. After a harrowing day, Neas was joyfully reunited with her beloved pet, saying Mittens jumped into her arms for a heartfelt embrace. Despite the chaotic start to their new life in Australia, Neas felt overwhelming relief to finally have her furry companion back by her side. The typical flight between Christchurch and Melbourne lasts less than four hours, making Mittens's journey quite the unexpected saga.
An eight-year-old Maine Coon, forgotten on an Air New Zealand flight, unexpectedly traveled three times between New Zealand and Australia.
Mittens, the cat, was inadvertently left in her cage in the plane's cargo hold during a scheduled trip from Christchurch to Melbourne on January 12. After her owner, Margo Neas, waited anxiously for three hours at Melbourne Airport, she learned that Mittens was still aboard the plane, which had already started its return journey to New Zealand. Ground staff quickly reassured Neas, saying the heating was turned on for Mittens to keep her warm during the journey. Fortunately, Mittens ended up being flown back to Melbourne the next day, where her owner was eagerly waiting. Speaking to NBC, Neas expressed her shock and concern about how the incident occurred. She was told that a wheelchair in the cargo area may have obstructed the view of Mittens's cage, contributing to the oversight. Air New Zealand has publicly apologized for the error and has committed to covering the travel costs incurred. After a harrowing day, Neas was joyfully reunited with her beloved pet, saying Mittens jumped into her arms for a heartfelt embrace. Despite the chaotic start to their new life in Australia, Neas felt overwhelming relief to finally have her furry companion back by her side. The typical flight between Christchurch and Melbourne lasts less than four hours, making Mittens's journey quite the unexpected saga.
