Cat Travels 4,500 Miles After Being Overlooked in Plane Cargo Hold
Mittens, an 8-year-old Maine Coon, accidentally took three flights between New Zealand and Australia in a single day before reuniting with her family.
- Mittens was mistakenly left aboard an Air New Zealand flight after her cage was obscured by a stowed wheelchair in the cargo hold.
- The cat traveled back and forth between Christchurch, New Zealand, and Melbourne, Australia, completing three flights totaling 4,500 miles in 24 hours.
- Air New Zealand activated heating in the cargo hold to ensure Mittens' comfort after the oversight was discovered mid-flight.
- The pet moving company facilitated Mittens' return to Melbourne, where she was safely reunited with her relieved owner, Margo Neas.
- Air New Zealand apologized for the incident, reimbursed all costs, and pledged to improve protocols for live animal transport.