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Dunedin Airport on the southern island of New Zealand has given a peculiar warning. A sign installed in the departure and disembarkation area informs that the farewell hugs are timed and should not exceed three minutes.
Airport in New Zealand viralizes with plaque that limits farewell to 3 minutes. Photo: Reproduction
The warning was placed last year and re -viralizing recently. In addition to the stipulated limit, the plate also suggests that visitors use the parking lot “for more affectionate farewells.” However, car service is charged after the first 15 minutes.
The warning generated several comments, with some finding the plaque funny, others wondering if there was a need for a limit. According to the airport administration, the intention is not to measure the time of hugs, but to encourage travelers and their families not to occupy the area, which is usually crowded.
At the time of the plaque installation, the CEO of the airport, Daniel de Bono, explained the decision. “It is our way to be a little peculiar and to remind people that the landing area serves for fast farewells“I told RNZ radio.
Bono also cited a study that suggests that a 20 -second hug is enough to get an explosion of the “love hormone”, and that the rapid movement allows more people to receive the affective gesture.
“And don’t worry, a hug of just 20 seconds is enough to release oxytocin and serotonin, the hormones of happiness that increase well-being. Thus, three minutes is enough time to say goodbye and receive your dose of happiness“He declared.
This was not the first time an airport adopts the signs. In Aalborg, Denmark, there is a sign a decade ago with the phrase “Kiss and Goodbye”, ie “kiss and bye”. The signaling also recommends that people do not kiss for more than three minutes. The measure, as in New Zealand, is not punitive, and only aims at not filling the airport departure and landing area.
