The trend towards “rawdogging” flights, explained

The history of in-flight entertainment dates back to 1921, when passengers on an Aeromarine Airways flight saw the black-and-white film “Howdy Chicago!” projected into the cabin.

These days, travelers have all sorts of ways to keep themselves entertained during a flight, from watching movies on seatback screens to watching pre-downloaded Netflix shows to catching up on favorite podcasts. Thanks to a new product design from seat manufacturer Collins Aerospace and in-flight entertainment company Panasonic Avionics, curved 45-inch screens could even make their way into business class in the future.

So, in the golden age of in-flight entertainment, with all of these options available to travelers, who wants to just stare at the back of their seat during a long-haul flight, seeing nothing but maybe the flight map?

This trend is called “rawdogging,” and essentially means foregoing all the amenities of the flight—no in-flight entertainment, no snacks or drinks from the carts rolling down the aisles, and in the most extreme cases, no drinking water and no naps.

Like many trends, this one can be seen on TikTok, where some travelers post their most extreme rawdogging flight feats: “Just rawdogged a 7 hour flight (new personal best) with no headphones, no film, no water, nothing,” wrote one user: @oiwudini, a DJ and producer from Manchester. “The power of my mind knows no bounds.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the airplane rawdogging trend, including why it might appeal to some travelers and what health experts have to say about it.

What does it mean to track a flight with rawdogging?

In short, rawdogging on a flight means foregoing the little comforts of flying and simply doing nothing, even if it may be uncomfortable.

Normally, the rules for raw dogging in flight mean no entertainment, which excludes watching TV and films, listening to music or podcasts. Reading or playing games on your mobile phone would also be taboo.

However, the most extreme examples of uncontrolled flying include sleep deprivation, not drinking water, and not eating or drinking snacks – behaviors that health experts warn against, especially on long-haul flights, as they can lead to dehydration and disrupt the natural sleep rhythm.

What is the point of tracking a flight with rawdogging?

Those who enjoy distraction-free flights say that by avoiding distractions they practice mindfulness while traveling.

For some, this can actually be a positive experience: If you haven’t already been practicing mindfulness or meditation consistently, consciously avoiding in-flight entertainment can help you focus entirely on your thoughts and surroundings, says Crystal Riley, founder of Wellness & Woo, a holistic coaching service that focuses on achieving goals based on mindfulness practices.

“You can deepen your practice by focusing on your breath, the sounds of the airplane, or just your own heartbeat,” says Riley. “It’s an opportunity to observe your inner landscape without judgment, which can lead to a deeper sense of calm and clarity.”

However, enjoying a distraction-free flight isn’t the right approach for everyone, she says. For some, the lack of these “normal” airplane distractions can increase feelings of anxiety or restlessness, especially when in such a confined space.

“If you find yourself becoming overly anxious or uncomfortable, it could be a sign that this practice is not helping you at the moment,” she says. “As with any meditation practice, it’s important to listen to your body and mind and adjust as needed to maintain a sense of well-being.”

Is it good for you to practice raw dogging during the flight?

Health and wellness experts have serious concerns about the trend of unhealthy in-flight lifestyles, particularly when it comes to lack of sleep, lack of hydration and restricted circulation due to complete immobility on long-haul flights.

In short, if the challenge requires you to sacrifice your basic needs, it’s just not worth it, says Angela Williams, LCSW, psychotherapist and mindset coach.

When you land in a new country and are navigating a new airport, the last thing you want is to feel groggy. And lack of sleep during a long-haul flight can lead to sleep deprivation, which in turn leads to cognitive impairment, she explains.

“During REM sleep, your brain reboots as it processes your emotional experiences of the day,” explains Williams. “Sleep helps regulate your nervous system, consolidates memories, and balances neurotransmitters responsible for optimizing your overall brain function.”

On long flights, it is important to pay attention to “travel hygiene,” says New York City-based nutritionist Tiffany Ma, RD

For example, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids on the plane because the humidity inside an airplane is often dry, she explains. “As a result, the dry air can lead to increased dehydration,” says Ma.

Plus, it’s never a good idea to sit completely still during a long-haul flight of six hours or more. Even if the fasten seatbelt sign is on and you can’t stand up and stretch, health experts recommend moving your legs and feet, doing calf raises or stretches to stimulate your blood flow.

If someone trying to get through a flight sits completely still, it can restrict blood flow to their lower body, says Reema Kanda, RD at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute in Southern California. This can lead to blood clots in the legs.

What are the benefits of tracking a flight with raw dogging?

If the distance is relatively short and you’re traveling west, it’s perfectly fine to take an unaccompanied flight because the body’s natural circadian rhythm can adjust much more easily to sleeping earlier than sleeping later, Ma says.

Otherwise, health experts recommend avoiding this trend.