Yes, we landed. Yes, we made it. Yes, we’re safe. Now, let’s dive into how it all went down.
Monday, 11th of November, 2024
The journey began with us arriving at Melbourne Airport at 7:30 pm. Boarding was set for 9:30, and takeoff scheduled for 10:40. Of course, we had our cats with us – an adventure I’d spent months meticulously planning. Between reading documents from Spain, Australian government regulations, vet guidelines, and airline rules, I thought I had every box ticked. Turkish Airlines was our only option for an international flight with pets, so I knew we might hit some bumps along the way. Still, nothing could fully prepare me for what was coming.
We reached the check-in counter, greeted by a kind staff member who started processing our paperwork. Soon, she called over the pet specialist. I thought, “Alright, this is it, just follow the plan.” But then she asked, “Where’s your certificate of ownership?”
Hold on – certificate of what? I told her I didn’t have one, and she informed me that it was required. Right, Jasmine, keep your cool. I asked her to show me an example, and she explained it was the slip from when you purchase or register a cat. Cue me frantically searching through emails and files dating back years, somehow finding what she was after. For the record, this was not listed as required anywhere, but there we were.
Then came questions about the cats’ health – understandable, but she already had all the government-certified documents. Next, she asked if we’d given them any medicine. I answered yes, we’d given them Zylkene, a natural supplement recommended by the vet.
“Oh, that might mean they can’t fly today,” she said.
What? My heart raced as I explained it was a natural supplement, completely safe, and approved by the vet. Plus, there was no mention in Turkish Airlines’ terms that they couldn’t have calming supplements.
Her response? “But there’s nothing that says they can.” At that point, I was holding on to sanity by a thread. My mum arrived, and though she came over to say hello, I had to politely ask everyone to give me space.
Deep breaths…inhale, exhale.
Pulling from my complaints management background, I tried again: “I’m a bit confused because I did my best to ensure everything was by the book. Could you please show me where these requirements are stated?” She went off to check, leaving me silently cursing her name. After a few minutes, she returned with, “Thank you for providing all the required information. You’re approved to go through.”
Cue silent celebrations. All the joy and relief poured out internally while I kept a poker face, gathering up our paperwork and checking in the bags. I turned around, and there they all were – every single person we love, standing there waiting for us. My heart swelled seeing their faces, even if I didn’t show it.
After a few short hellos, Andrew leaned over, “Time for a smoke?” He knew me too well.
At the Departure Gate
The tears hit hard – harder than I ever anticipated. It was a blur, passing from one set of arms to another, each hug sealing a chapter, each goodbye cracking open something deep inside. I was a whirlwind of emotions, like I was intoxicated on nostalgia and grief, clinging to these moments, these people, with everything I had.
It felt as if my heart was leaving my body, staying behind with everyone we had shared so much with.
In those final moments, I replayed memories like flashbacks – a bittersweet cocktail of joy, sadness, warmth, and loss. Together, we had woven something truly magical, bonds that became family, memories that left us richer, forever imprinted in our souls.
And then, with one last wave, we stepped through the gates and into our new life.
Thank you, each of you – for being our people.
Our Family.
Mi Familia.
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