One fancy feline unintentionally becomes a frequent flyer

(AP)  — If you could jetset right now, where would you go?
A Maine coon cat named Mittens became an accidental jetsetter this month when her cage was overlooked in a plane cargo hold. It had moved around during the flight and the luggage carriers missed it. Three times. And when it was all said and done, mittens made three trips in 24 hours between New Zealand and Australia.

The Air New Zealand pilot was told of the “extra passenger” during the flight, and turned on the heat in the cargo hold to keep mittens comfortable.

Neas was told that a stowed wheelchair had obscured a baggage handler’s view of Mittens’ cage.
but the saga had a happy ending. whew.
the pet moving company that the family used to arrange Mittens’ travel, met the cat on her return to Christchurch and ensured she was back on the plane for another trip to Melbourne,  this time just one way.

Air New Zealand would reimburse all costs associated with Mittens’ travel, and has apologized for the distress caused, the airline said .