Airport's Hug Rule: 3 Minutes or Move to Parking

Imagine trying to catch a flight and getting stuck in a never-ending line of cars because people just can't stop hugging goodbye! That's exactly what's been happening at Dunedin International Airport in New Zealand. To keep traffic flowing, the airport has introduced a new rule: hugs at the drop-off zone can only last three minutes. If you need more time for those emotional farewells, you'll have to move to the parking lot, where you can stay for up to 15 minutes.

But why three minutes? Is that a magic number? According to the airport's CEO, it's actually based on science. Apparently, you need at least 20 seconds for a hug to release those happy hormones, oxytocin and serotonin. Anything shorter might not give you the full feel-good effect, while anything longer could get a tad awkward. Dunedin Airport isn't massive, but it's not small either, handling about 900, 000 passengers each year. So, the next time you're at the airport and see someone hugging for too long, you'll know why they might get asked to move along. Just remember, if 15 minutes still isn't enough, maybe it's time to check into a hotel!

Actions