London’s Heathrow Airport has embraced a light-hearted approach to airport farewells, announcing that “cuddle time” is unrestricted at its drop-off zones. New signage at the UK’s largest airport invites travelers to enjoy “Max hug time, unlimited. Fond farewells in Departures encouraged.” This friendly gesture follows controversy in New Zealand, where Dunedin Airport recently placed a three-minute limit on hugs in its drop-off area, citing “hotbeds of emotion” and the potential for congestion as travelers linger for extended goodbyes.
In New Zealand, Dunedin Airport’s CEO, Daniel De Bono, has defended the new restriction, arguing that shorter hugs of 20 seconds suffice to release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” while helping to keep passenger flow smooth. In contrast, Heathrow’s approach conjures images of heart-warming farewell scenes reminiscent of films like *Love Actually*, encouraging passengers to “take as much time as they need in Departures” when bidding goodbye to loved ones.
Reality Check: Heathrow’s Drop-Off Charge
But the feel-good message at Heathrow’s drop-off zones is tempered by a £5 charge every time a vehicle enters its “kiss-and-fly” areas, with no ticket machines at terminals and no exemptions. Drop-offs require pre-payment by phone or online, and vehicles must not be left unattended—those that are may be promptly removed by police. Heathrow also warns that repeat entries come at an additional cost each time.
So, while Heathrow champions unlimited goodbye hugs in the PR realm, its parking rules keep the reality in check, reminding passengers that heartfelt farewells come at a price.
