Travelers departing from Dunedin, New Zealand, will now have to abide by a new three-minute time limit on goodbye hugs in the airport's drop-off area. The restriction aims to prevent traffic congestion caused by lingering farewells.
Signs outside the terminal clearly state, 'Max hug time three minutes,' and suggest that individuals seeking longer goodbyes should utilize the airport's parking lot instead. The rule was implemented in September to ensure smooth traffic flow in the redesigned passenger drop-off zone.
The airport's CEO explained that the time limit was introduced to remind people that the drop-off area is designated for quick farewells only. While the signs have sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing the restriction as a violation of human rights, others have welcomed the change.
Unlike other airports that enforce penalties for extended drop-offs, Dunedin Airport opted for a more light-hearted approach with the three-minute hug limit. The CEO emphasized that the timeframe allows sufficient time for passengers to bid farewell to their loved ones before moving on.
According to the CEO, a 20-second hug is long enough to trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, making longer embraces unnecessary and potentially awkward. However, there are no strict enforcement measures in place, and airport staff will not act as 'hug police.'
Passengers who wish to prolong their goodbyes beyond the three-minute limit may be politely asked to relocate to the parking lot, where they can enjoy up to 15 minutes of free hugging time. The airport's quirky approach to managing farewell hugs reflects its commitment to maintaining efficiency while ensuring a positive and memorable experience for travelers.
