TikTok trend "rawdogging" challenges fliers to ditch entertainment

Modern travelers have many ways to make long flights more enjoyable. Smartphones and tablets filled with movies, portable gaming consoles, books, and headphones are a standard sight on planes. Even airplane snacks and alcoholic beverages help endure hours spent in the air. However, a new, extremely demanding trend has emerged on TikTok—"rawdogging". Are you ready for a journey without entertainment, just you, your thoughts, your seat, and time that seems to pass slower?

"Rawdogging" is a challenge that involves surviving a flight without any entertainment. Participants abstain from movies, music, sleep, snacks, and other distractions for the trip. Although the name may raise eyebrows, it has nothing to do with inappropriate behavior on board. In English slang, "rawdog" means having sex without a condom. However, in the context of traveling, it only refers to a test of mental endurance without any additional stimuli or amenities.

On TikTok, many videos are gaining popularity where users share their experiences with "rawdogging". Wudini, a DJ and producer from Manchester, described his experience during a 7-hour flight without headphones, movies, water, or other amenities. "Incredible. The power of my mind knows no bounds," he wrote, describing his impressions.

This trend is being compared to the Apple TV series "Hijack," where the character played by Idris Elba survived a seven-hour flight in silence and without entertainment when his plane was hijacked. Similar to the series, participants in the challenge must rely solely on their mental strength to endure a long flight.

One exception to the rule is the ability to track the flight map. Jonny Davies, a runner-influencer, boasted about surviving an 11-hour flight by looking only at the map. "The only thing to watch on a Virgin Atlantic flight," he wrote. Naturally, another exception is recording their struggles on the plane and uploading the video to TikTok for safety reasons after the flight.

Even travel influencer Sophi Cooke posted a video of her mother, who always "rawdogs" flights, regardless of their length. "That's her [mom - ed.] during a 9-hour flight. No iPad. No headphones. No book. At least she's comfortable! You go girl," wrote Cooke.

While it may seem extreme, many people on TikTok support this minimalist way of traveling. One comment read: "This is really an amazing dopamine detox." Another user added: "OMG! I thought I was the only one who looked out the window or at the flight tracker. No music, nothing, just peace!"