Airport officials in Dunedin, New Zealand, have enforced a time limit for goodbye hugs at the drop-off zone to prevent traffic congestion.
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Dunedin Airport introduced a three-minute time limit on farewell hugs with various signs stating, “Max hug time three minutes,” encouraging passengers and their escorts to say their goodbyes in the parking lot instead. According to the Associated Press, the rule was implemented in September to ensure that the drop-off area is running smoothly. “The time limit is really a nicer way of saying, you know, get on with it,” said CEO Dan De Bono.
However, there was a backlash on social media. De Bono added that three minutes was enough to say goodbye to loved ones. “We were accused of breaching basic human rights and how dare we limit how long someone can have a hug for,” De Bono said. The airport’s primary concern is to decrease traffic congestion so operations can continue smoothly.
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De Bono also joked that it only takes 20 seconds to feel better after a hug, as it is enough to release oxytocin and serotonin – the hormones that make an individual feel good. However, anything longer than that can make things awkward. But passengers do not have to worry about the authorities overseeing the hug time limit, as they will be advised to continue their goodbyes at the parking lot, where they can continue for 15 minutes without charge.