Cat’s Epic Journey: Mittens Flies the Tasman Three Times in 24 Hours

An incredible story unfolded in January, capturing the hearts of many, when an eight-year-old cat named Mittens accidentally got left on an airplane and completed the New Zealand-Australia route three times in just twenty-four hours. According to a CNN report, the oversight was due to the inattention of airline ground handlers.

Mittens and his owner, Margo Neas, were relocating from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia, on January 13. After the nearly four-hour flight, Margo eagerly awaited her beloved pet at baggage claim – but Mittens was nowhere to be found. After a three-hour wait, the shocking news arrived: the plane had already departed for New Zealand, with Mittens still on board. It is believed that a packed wheelchair might have obscured Mittens’ crate from the baggage handler’s view, causing him to be overlooked in the cargo hold.

The Air New Zealand pilot was informed of the feline “stowaway” mid-flight and promptly ensured the heating in the cargo bay was activated for Mittens’ comfort. Fortunately, the adventure concluded happily: upon arrival in Christchurch, arrangements were made to ensure Mittens was safely placed on another flight back to Melbourne.

“Our new life in Melbourne didn’t start off too well, as our family wasn’t complete,” Margo Neas stated. She added that her Maine Coon cat had lost a little weight during his unexpected travels but was otherwise unharmed.

Air New Zealand apologized for the inconvenience caused and announced they would reimburse all costs associated with Mittens‘ journey. Alisha Armstrong, an Air New Zealand spokesperson, affirmed: “We will be working closely with our Melbourne ground handler to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

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