In the world of airports, new regulations are constantly being introduced that affect the experience - from security checks to the time left for a final hug. At Dunedin Airport in New Zealand, the recent introduction of a three-minute limit on hugs caused a stir.
But what about German-speaking countries? A recent study by the language learning platform Preply examines how much time travelers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland have to say goodbye in the so-called “kiss & fly” area and what costs are incurred at the major airports in the DACH region.
Free farewells – an overview of the regulations
Saying goodbye without any time pressure is often an expensive luxury at airports in the DACH region. The free time spent in the so-called drop-off zones, where short-term stops are permitted, varies greatly from airport to airport.
According to the study, most airports in the DACH region allow a free stay of around ten minutes. Those who stay longer usually have to dig deeper into their pockets. But there are big differences between the individual countries and airports.
Austria: Generous regulations in Graz and Klagenfurt
In Austria, the situation is comparatively relaxed for travelers. The airports in Graz and Klagenfurt allow a much longer stay than at other airports, with a free farewell time of 30 minutes. In Innsbruck, too, those picking up and accompanying passengers are given 20 minutes free of charge.
These generous regulations are particularly noteworthy given that Austria has only a small number of international airports. Vienna and Salzburg, on the other hand, only offer ten free minutes, a time frame that is in line with the major German airports.
Germany: Nuremberg Airport leads with 15 minutes
The largest German airports, such as Frankfurt am Main, Berlin and Hamburg, also offer a ten-minute free stay. However, Nuremberg Airport is more generous with 15 minutes and allows for a more relaxed farewell. In Düsseldorf and Stuttgart, however, there is only a very short farewell time - seven and eight minutes respectively - before parking fees are due.
Things are particularly hectic at Munich Airport, where passengers only have five minutes to say goodbye for free. This short time forces travelers to act quickly and often makes longer goodbyes expensive.
Switzerland: High fees for farewells at Zurich Airport
In Switzerland, the picture is mixed: while smaller airports offer quite acceptable fees for short-term parking, Zurich is the leader with its fees. Passengers at Zurich Airport have to pay ten Swiss francs (about 10,68 euros) for 15 minutes. In comparison, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport is a little more generous, offering a free 20-minute stay.
Price differences for longer farewells: From Hanover to Düsseldorf
For travelers who prefer longer farewells, prices vary greatly. In Hanover, for example, you pay just two euros for 15 minutes, while in Frankfurt am Main the cost for the same duration is 2,50 euros. Linz in Austria is also in the lower end of the fee table at 2,70 euros.
The prices at airports such as Düsseldorf and Zurich, however, are significantly higher. At ten euros for 15 minutes in Düsseldorf and Stuttgart and around 10,68 euros in Zurich, travelers pay the highest price in the DACH region. These high fees underline the tendency of some airports to view the Kiss & Fly area not only as a service, but also as a lucrative source of income.
“Kiss & Fly” as a concept for safety and efficiency
The drop-off zones, which allow passengers to board and disembark quickly, are now a standard feature of many airports around the world. They are designed to increase traffic flow, increase efficiency at the airport and reduce security risks. Since the 9/11 attacks, security at airports has been a key issue, which has also influenced the introduction and design of the drop-off zones. According to airports and transport authorities, the "Kiss & Fly" concept is also intended to ensure that access to the terminal remains open for emergency vehicles at all times.
A question of profitability and customer satisfaction
The departure times and the associated costs at the airport are not only a question of efficiency, but also a strategic aspect for airports. While for some airports, revenue from parking fees is an important financial pillar, for others it is about customer satisfaction.
A short time to say goodbye or high fees can cause frustration, especially when air travelers are already faced with challenges such as delays or long waiting times. Studies show that some airports can ensure greater satisfaction among passengers and their companions by offering longer free times, as shown by the generous 30-minute rule in Graz and Klagenfurt.
A balancing act between customer orientation and profitability
Overall, Preply's study reflects the different priorities of airports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. While some airports such as Nuremberg and Graz offer more generous free farewell times, others such as Munich and Zurich focus on quick revenue through limited parking times and high fees.
For travelers, this means doing your research in advance to avoid stress and additional costs. Given the growing demand for sustainable and customer-focused solutions in the travel industry, harmonizing check-in times and fees within the DACH region could be a sensible step to promote both efficiency and customer satisfaction.
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