Buzzkill New Zealand Airport Outlaws Hugging For Over Three Minutes

Flying is one of the most marvelous things that mankind has managed to do, but it’s not without its annoyances. One of the biggest drawbacks is everything that happens before you’re cruising at 30,000 feet and after you touch down. That’s right, we’re talking about airports. Endless security lines, food and drink that costs double what you’d pay at a midscale restaurant in your neighborhood, and of course, people that take too long to say goodbye to each other when they’re being dropped off. And while most of those are here to stay just like you are after a canceled flight, one New Zealand airport is nipping the latter one in the bud. 

The Guardian reports that the Dunedin Airport in Momona, New Zealand has enacted a three minute rule in their dropoff zones, erecting a sign that states “Max hug time 3 minutes. For fonder farewells please use the car park.” The airport’s chief executive Dan DeBono told Radio New Zealand that they’re trying to have fun with it, given that some announcements at airports asking people to curb their emotions at the curb were a little too intense. But hey, you try telling that to your partner when they’re leaving New Zealand for a week. Sometimes 2:59 of grabbing your luggage and hugging it out just won’t cut it. On the other hand, those not into PDA with their significant others might just point to the sign as they push their loved one out of their still moving car. 

And while the sign suggests moving things over to the car park, where does it end? Sounds like they’re begging for missed flights. Will that airport’s car park become the equivalent of a lover’s lane? Might there be a bunch of kids running around in a year named “Dunedin” after the place where they were conceived? DeBono isn’t NOT saying no, stating ““Airports are hotbeds of emotion … our staff have seen some interesting things over the years.” That could be extremely awkward for the Uber drivers, that’s for sure. While the sign is up, it’s more of a reminder than a threat, with DeBono stating that there won’t be police enforcing it, but staff may tap them on the shoulder and nudge them towards the sex lot, er, the car park. 

Public reaction has been mixed, with some claiming it’s inhumane, others suggesting that there should be similar signs elsewhere, like schools. Either way, it’s made for enough chatter that it could be a matter of time before the hug police are out in force at airports around the world.