Bizarre 3-minute rule: signs at the airport are a source of discussion

Dunedin (New Zealand) - A bizarre prohibition sign at a New Zealand airport is currently going viral: recently, travelers in the drop-off zone at Dunedin Airport have been allowed to hug each other for a maximum of three minutes when saying goodbye - "for more intimate goodbyes, please use the parking lot", passengers and their companions are asked. Although holding times are limited to a short time at most airports around the world, the permitted time span is rarely communicatedin such a curious way.

The signs at Dunedin Airport make it clear that travelers are only allowed to hug each other for a maximum of three minutes when saying goodbye.
The signs at Dunedin Airport make it clear that travelers are only allowed to hug each other for a maximum of three minutes when saying goodbye.  © Sarah Soper/Dunedin Airport/AP/dpa

"The signage is in line with our branding, which is to get a message across in a slightly quirky and funny way," New Zealand media quoted an airport spokeswoman as saying. But not everyone finds the cuddle limit funny.

One person even got upset on social media, saying it was "inhumane" to regulate the time for hugs. Another called for "#Unlimited cuddling for everyone!", while another said with a wink: "Come on, at least four minutes!"

Others were surprised that there were still any free stops at the airport.

The sign made headlines around the world, much to the delight of its creators, as they themselves admittedon Facebook.

Even short hugs are enough to release oxytocin

The signs that stipulate a maximum hug time of 180 seconds provide plenty of food for thought.
The signs that stipulate a maximum hug time of 180 seconds provide plenty of food for thought.  © Sarah Soper/Dunedin Airport/AP/dpa

But right from the start: In September, the operators had moved the drop-off area to a different location in order to improve traffic flow and safety around the terminal, according to Managing Director Daniel De Bono.

The controversial signs were put up to give as many people as possible the opportunity to hug each other again.

Another one reads: "Saying goodbye is hard, so hurry up. Three minutes maximum."

De Bono emphasized that airports have always been "hotbeds of emotion" and quoted from a study in an interview with Radio New Zealand, according to which a 20-second hug is enough to release the "love hormone" oxytocin.

In other words: it's best for everyone to hug each other briefly and intensely. The signs should have been a bit of fun, but instead they caused quite a stir and provided plenty to talk about, said De Bono.

The signs could be a goldmine for Dunedin.