At Dunedin Airport in New Zealand, saying goodbye to loved ones has taken on a new dimension with the introduction of a controversial three-minute limit on hugs. The airport has rolled out this policy to improve traffic flow in its drop-off zone, but not everyone is happy about it.
Sign of the Times
The new rule, signaled by a viral sign in the airport’s drop-off zone, reads: “Max hug time 3 minutes. For fonder farewells, please use the car park.” This friendly yet firm message is part of a broader effort to keep things moving efficiently in the busy area. The rule was introduced after the airport noticed that many passengers were taking too long to say their goodbyes, which caused congestion and made it difficult for others to access the zone.
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Dan De Bono, Dunedin Airport’s chief executive, spoke about the reasoning behind the move in an interview with Radio New Zealand (RNZ). According to De Bono, typical airport warnings can be stern, involving threats of fines or even wheel clamping. Dunedin Airport wanted to avoid that, opting for a lighter, more humorous approach to ensure people understood the new rules without feeling overly restricted.
Emotions Behind the Rule
Airports are often places of intense emotion, where families and friends share heartfelt farewells, sometimes lingering longer than expected. De Bono acknowledged this emotional atmosphere but pointed out that the lingering goodbyes were beginning to cause operational issues. “There’s only so much space we have in that drop-off area,” De Bono explained, adding that the rule was introduced to give everyone a chance for a final hug, without creating gridlock.
Interestingly, the airport staff have seen some “interesting things” over the years, with the drop-off zone occasionally becoming a place for more intimate goodbyes, something the new policy might help curb.
Stir on Social Media
The new hug limit has triggered a strong reaction online, with critics arguing that the rule is unreasonable and even “inhumane.” One Facebook commenter wrote, “They can’t dictate how long a hug should last,” while another quipped about the imaginary “hug police” enforcing the rule. On the flip side, some praised the airport for its thoughtful approach, contrasting it with other airports that impose hefty fines or fees for drop-offs.
In fact, one user humorously remarked that some airports in the U.S. would prefer passengers “come to a slow roll and push your passenger out” rather than linger.
No “Hug Police” to Enforce the Rule
Despite the criticism, Dunedin Airport clarified that there would be no strict enforcement of the three-minute hug limit. Instead, staff might politely ask those who linger too long to move to the car park, where they can continue their goodbyes. De Bono emphasized, “We’re not here to tell people how long they should hug for. It’s more about reminding people to move on and provide space for others.”
The airport has also pointed out that the car park offers 15 minutes of free parking, allowing more time for prolonged farewells.
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While the three-minute hug rule has caused a bit of a stir, De Bono maintained that the airport aimed to keep the message fun and lighthearted, while still addressing the very real need for efficient traffic flow. He even referenced a study suggesting that a 20-second hug is enough to release oxytocin and serotonin, the chemicals associated with bonding and happiness.
