WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — An 8-year-old Maine coon cat named Mittens unexpectedly became a globe-trotter this month after being overlooked in a plane’s cargo hold, leading to three unplanned flights between New Zealand and Australia in just 24 hours.
Mittens was supposed to take a one-way trip with her family from Christchurch, New Zealand, to their new home in Melbourne, Australia, on January 13. However, after landing, her owner, Margo Neas, waited anxiously for her beloved pet to be unloaded—only to realize something was wrong when three hours passed with no sign of Mittens.
To Neas’ shock, airline staff informed her that the plane had already taken off back to New Zealand—with Mittens still on board. The round trip involved approximately 7.5 hours of flight time, turning what should have been a simple journey into an unexpected aerial adventure.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Neas said. “I kept thinking, How could this happen?”
Once the Air New Zealand pilot was informed about the unexpected feline passenger, they took immediate action, ensuring the cargo hold’s heating system was turned on to keep Mittens comfortable for the flight. According to the airline, the mix-up occurred when a stowed wheelchair accidentally obstructed a baggage handler’s view, causing Mittens’ cage to go unnoticed.
“It wasn’t the best start to our new life in Melbourne—we felt incomplete without our family all together,” she said.
The ordeal had a happy ending. The pet relocation company that Neas had entrusted with Mittens’ journey stepped in to ensure the cat made it safely to Melbourne on her next flight—this time, with no unexpected detours.
Though she had lost some weight, Mittens was otherwise unharmed.
“As soon as I saw her, she ran straight into my arms and snuggled up,” Neas said. “She gave me the biggest cuddles of all time—it was such a relief.”
Air New Zealand apologized for the distress caused and confirmed it would cover all costs related to Mittens’ extended travels.
“We’ll be working closely with our ground handler in Melbourne to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” said airline spokesperson Alisha Armstrong.
As for Mittens, the normally independent feline has been extra affectionate since her adventure.
“She’s the cuddliest she’s ever been,” Neas said. “And honestly, she can have all the attention she wants—we’re just so incredibly relieved to have her home.”
