A Maine coon cat named Mittens clocked up some serious air miles this month after being left on an Air New Zealand flight and accidentally flown to Australia and back. Mittens’ owner, Margo Neas, described the events as “both distressing and unacceptable” after paying $1948 to have her feline flown to Australia.

Of course, both are matters of personal preference, with strong arguments to be made for either side, but, every so often, the worlds of aviation and pets collide, occasionally resulting in cat-astrophic consequences.

A baggage handler didn't spot Mittens' cage when it was blocked by a wheelchair on arrival in Melbourne Mittens the cat has clocked up lots of extra air miles after mistakenly flying between New Zealand and Australia three times in 24 hours.

A Maine coon cat named Mittens became an accidental jetsetter this month when her cage was overlooked in a plane cargo hold and she made three trips in 24 hours between New Zealand and Australia.

Mittens, 8, was only supposed to take a one-way flight from Christchurch to Melbourne. She ended up being airborne for over 10 hours.

AP Photo/Rod McGuirk Mittens, aged eight, was traveling from Christchurch to Melbourne with Neas, and her son Jackson as they relocated to Australia. Air New Zealand requires international animal ...

A cat left behind on a plane, due to a luggage mishap, completes three international trips in one day. Air New Zealand issues an apology.

The Air New Zealand pilot was told of the extra passenger during the ... The pet moving company that Neas 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 ...

When we step off the plane in Christchurch, expecting the cooler weather, it's 30C, which makes us question the accuracy of our parents' New Zealand memories. The city feels quaint with its gently winding river, the cathedral and mock-Tudor restaurant Tiffanys.

Air New Zealand apologised to the family for the distress caused and assured that it would reimburse the entire cost of Mittens’ travel.

The Air New Zealand pilot was told of the extra passenger ... used to arrange Mittens’ travel met the cat on her return to Christchurch and ensured she was back on the plane for another trip ...

The Air New Zealand pilot was told of the extra passenger ... used to arrange Mittens' travel met the cat on her return to Christchurch and ensured she was back on the plane for another trip ...