Hurry Up and Hug: Dunedin Airport’s New 3-Minute Hug Rule Gets People Talking

Dunedin Airport in New Zealand has taken the art of farewells to a new level, implementing a three-minute limit on goodbye hugs at the drop-off area.

3-Minute Limit on Goodbye Hugs, Sparks Online Discussion

The sign, which reads "Max hug time 3 minutes," suggests that those in need of more extended embraces move to the car park, humorously adding, “For fonder farewells, please use the car park.” After all, nothing says "I’ll miss you" like a brisk walk to your car to finish your goodbye.

The quirky rule gained attention after a picture of the sign was posted in the Facebook group ‘The View From My Window’ last Wednesday, sparking a lively—and somewhat humorous—debate about whether you can really put a time limit on a heartfelt hug.

What Were People Saying?

One user was all for it, praising the airport’s touch of compassion, saying, “I love it. My local airport wouldn’t even allow you to stop—they’d hit you with a £100 ($130) fine. I wish more places had something like Nice Airport’s ‘Kiss and Fly.’”

On the other hand, some were less impressed. “Three minutes? Inhumane! You can’t rush a good hug,” one person argued. Meanwhile, a user from the U.S. joked, “In America, they don’t even let you stop. Just slow down and roll your passenger out of the car. Maybe give a thumbs up as they tumble onto the curb.”

Amid the humor, some commenters used the opportunity for deeper reflection. “It got me thinking… who would I actually hug for 3 minutes? There are only a few—family and close friends. But it’s funny how even a sign like this can remind you that life’s short,” shared one thoughtful commenter.

The discussion comes as airports worldwide, including in the UK, are increasingly tightening drop-off regulations and raising fees. According to a recent RAC report, more than a third of major UK airports have increased drop-off charges in the last year. Seven out of 20 airports reviewed in July raised fees for “kiss and fly” services, designed to let drivers drop passengers as close as possible to the terminal without staying long.

While Dunedin’s 3-minute hug limit is a lighthearted attempt to manage traffic flow. Three minutes might not sound like much, but hey, if you’re a pro hugger, maybe it’s just enough to squeeze in a lifetime of love.