"3-Minute Hug Limit" Imposed at New Zealand Airport When Dropping off Passengers

A New Zealand airport appears to be imposing a "hug limit" for travelers. As a sign at the airport's drop-off zone has made rounds internationally, it has sparked an interesting debate regarding whether a time limit on hugs at airports are necessary.

"Farewell" To Long Hugging

Dunedin Airport in New Zealand posted a photo on Facebook of a newly erected sign, reading "Max hug time 3 minutes. For fonder farewells, please use the car park".

Facebook user Julie Ann also uploaded the sign posted at Dunedin Airport in New Zealand, making the signage viral. As of now, the Facebook post has 56,000 likes, 4,100 shares, and 1,400 comments.

Many online users have expressed mixed reactions about the signage, with strong opinions both being for and against the new rule in question.

Marysia Vluggen commented, "You can’t put a time limit on hugs! 🤗 that’s inhumane 😑".

Kelly Gunner added, "I can see the airport 🛫 worker now ..2:56,2:57,2:58,2:59 OK time to break it up !".

Doğan Ar joked, "that's why so snobby people :)No emotions! We give hug forever and longer. I am Turkish 🙂 I can give a kiss 1 hour under the rain 🙂".

John Anderson wrote, "This got me thinking…. Who are the people I would hug for 3 minutes? There are a very few, mostly family, and a dear long time friend. But in spite of the humor of this sign, it’s something to think about. Life is short."

Carolyn Munro-Swett stated, "OMG school drop off lines need a similar sign (Max hug time 10 sec)😉".

Ronnie Allegro retorted, "Nah…I think most can finish their ‘fonder farewells’ in under 3 minutes… Leave it out front for all to see."

Another sign at the airport reportedly reads "It's hard to say goodbye so make it quick. 3 minutes max."

Dunedin's Defense

Dunedin Airport enforced this rule last month, with an FAQ page on the airport's website explaining the changes to airport drop-offs and why they are taking effect.

The airport has also moved the drop-off zone location back to its original location after the completion of an expansion project a couple of years ago. This location is meant to reduce the need for passengers to step in front of oncoming traffic.

"We’ve relocated the drop-off zone to improve traffic flow and safety around the terminal. By shifting it, we reduce congestion and make it easier for passengers to be dropped off safely."
 

Dunedin Airport General Manager Business Development Megan Crawford gave comments to Stuff Travel, explaining how the signage is both encouraging and "on-brand" with the airport:

Dunedin Air CEO Daniel De Bono spoke with Radio New Zealand about the controversial signage. While he acknowledges that drop-off locations are common locations for farewells, prolonged hugs can also hold up traffic and also pose a risk for pedestrians. He also explains how airports are often "hotbeds of emotion", but referenced a study that suggested a 20-second hug is all people need to release "the love hormone" oxytocin.

De Bono reiterates that travelers are free to hug loved ones at the car park for 15 minutes, as that's how long drop-off parking is free until a fee is imposed.

These new changes to the airport are in line with returns of international flights, as more travelers are expected to enter and leave the country via Dunedin for the foreseeable future.