New York Airport Workers Expect A Normal Bag Check, But The Contents Leaves Them Shaken
If you’ve ever owned a cat, you probably know how impossible it is to pack a suitcase without feline interference.
The moment it’s unzipped, they’re there – sitting proudly on top or nestled right inside, as if to say, “You’re not leaving without me.”
Mine do it every time, fully aware that the suitcase means I’ll be gone for a bit.
Now, imagine the chaos if your cat actually managed to sneak inside before you left for the airport. That’s exactly what happened to one curious kitty from Brooklyn.
Luckily, the keen-eyed airport staff noticed something unusual during screening, saving the day – and the little stowaway – from what could have been a very dangerous trip.
The staff at New York JFK International Airport have surely seen plenty of unusual things, but discovering a live cat tucked inside a suitcase? That’s one for the books.
When the bag was handed over to be checked in, its owner had no idea what surprise was hidden inside.
As it passed through the X-ray machine, the TSA agents couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
Among the bottles, glasses, and a pair of flip-flops, there was the unmistakable outline of a cat.
On closer inspection, there was no mistaking it – a ginger cat was curled up inside the suitcase, very much alive and thankfully unharmed. It was pure luck that it had made it through those hours without injury.
The officers saw that the cat had been resting right on top of the packed items, with bits of fur even poking through the zipper.
Thankfully, TSA staff spotted the stowaway just in time, stopping the bag before it was loaded onto a flight bound for Orlando, Florida – an ordeal that could have ended tragically had the cat not been found.
TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said:
“It’s rare to discover a live animal in a checked bag.”
The good news is that the cat didn’t try to escape, so they were able to hold it down until the passenger explained himself.
What made the whole situation even more surprising was that the cat, whose quirky name is Smells, didn’t even belong to the passenger who owned the suitcase.
Smells was actually another member of the household’s pet and had slipped into the luggage without anyone noticing.
The traveler ended up rebooking their flight for the following day, while Smells, seemingly unfazed by his big adventure, was safely brought back home.
Later, his actual owner explained that he likely snuck into a guest’s suitcase when nobody was paying attention.
Friendly Reminder
Cats can be clever little escape artists who hate being left behind, so it’s wise to double-check your luggage when packing for a trip.
The last thing you want is for your feline to end up zipped inside a suitcase like Smells, or for you to miss your flight because of it.
On a practical side, Farbstein advises using proper pet carriers to make sure your furry companion travels safely and in line with airline regulations.
