Rawdogging is the new trend taking TikTok by storm.
The trend is for airline passengers to avoid watching films, listening to music, sleeping, eating and drinking during the flight.
Many boasted about their rawdogging exploits on social media platforms, including Manchester City star Erling Haaland, who said he survived a seven-hour flight “with no phone, no sleep, no water, no food” and found it “easy.”
But what does rawdogging mean and why has it become a new trend? I find out everything you need to know.
What does “rawdogging” mean?
Originally, rawdogging referred to unprotected sexual intercourse, but it has now taken on a whole new meaning.
Essentially, rawdogging means flying without distractions such as in-flight entertainment or bathroom breaks, with the sole exception of looking at a flight map.
This means that those who take on the challenge must spend the flight simply staring straight ahead.
Where does the trend of “rawdogging” flights come from?
A TikToker named Westy is said to have started the trend.
In May, he boasted about “rawdogging” on a flight in a post that went viral, and soon many others followed his example and shared their experiences on social media.
Westy wrote: “Pov: Successfully completed another 7 hour flight just by watching the maps. Has anyone else done bareback flights?”
Others joining in on the trend include TikToker Damion Bailey, who said he took a 13.5-hour flight between Shanghai and Dallas without any in-flight entertainment, movies, books or music.
Another was Australian music producer Torren Foot, who wrote: “Just rocked it, 15 hour flight to Melbourne.”
Is it safe to fly without food and water?
Medical experts warn against going without food and water or not exercising on long-haul flights, as this could lead to dehydration and health problems.
Dr Gill Jenkins, a GP who also works as an air ambulance medical attendant, told the BBC: “They are idiots. A digital detox might do you good, but anything else goes against medical advice.”
“The risk with long-haul flights is that there is a risk of dehydration.
“If you don’t move, you’re at risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is made worse by dehydration. Not going to the bathroom is a bit stupid. If you need to go to the bathroom, you need to go to the bathroom.”
But business psychologist Danielle Haig believes that raw dogging gives people the opportunity to “recharge their mental batteries” and “gain new perspectives.”
Ms Haig said she could understand why, in an “ever-faster” and “technology-driven world”, people wanted to spend time in quiet reflection and let their minds wander.
She believes the rise of rawdogging “signals a collective desire for balance as people seek to reclaim their mental space and build a deeper connection with their inner self.”
Ms Craig added that she believes the trend offers young men in particular an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to cope stoically with loneliness and discomfort.
