Raw-Dogging a Flight: Is It Really a Healthier Way to Travel?

The raw dog meaning might have sensational origins; however, lately, it is now used to describe any action that’s done without entertainment, protection, or support. Recently, raw dogging has taken new heights — introducing the raw-dogging flight trend. Put simply, raw-dogging a flight means being on a flight with no entertainment (i.e., no digital devices and no books), sleep, food, or water. This lack of stimuli mirrors some wellness and mindfulness practices amid the rising wellness trend while traveling.

What does 'raw-dogging a flight' mean?

So, how has the term 'raw-dogging' merged with 'flight'? It has been a result of definitions and social media trends.

Literally, raw-dogging means engaging in something without any protection or preparation. When applied to the context of a flight, raw-dogging a flight means traveling on a flight without any preparation or even any comfort, such as a neck pillow, headphones, mobile phones, snacks, water, books, etc.

Figuratively, raw-dogging a flight means traveling on a flight with as little comfort as possible. It is self-inflicted travel discomfort. Basically, it means minimalism on flights.

The social media influence

The 'raw-dogging a flight' trend is gaining increasing attention on various social media platforms. On TikTok, the trend has amassed hundreds of views. In particular, there are videos of people bragging about raw-dogging international flights, meaning they have raw-dogged very long flight journeys — seeking a more mindful travel experience.

@screenshothq Why are people 'rawdogging' on flights? ✈️ just you and your thoughts. Some find it meditative, others are shocked. What do you think? Is it mental strength or madness? Let us know in the comments 👀 #trending #rawdogging #rawdog #flight #airlines #airtravel #fyp #plane #travel ♬ original sound - SCREENSHOT

Traditional flying experience vs. 'raw-dogging' flight experiences

The traditional flying experience is very different from the trending raw-dogging flight. Traditionally, we are accustomed to watching or listening to entertainment on a digital device, accepting snacks and/or food offered by flight attendants, reading a book, and even using an eye mask. As mentioned above, a raw-dogged flight is the very opposite; devoid of these simple pleasures — it is comfort-free flying.

Cost is another key difference between the traditional flying experience and the raw-dogging flight experience. Raw-dog flying could save some costs because money is not spent on amenities like food/snacks and entertainment.

Why has raw-dogging a flight become popular?

There is always a reason for everything, and the rise of the raw-dogged flight experience is no exception.

Connection to mindfulness and 'being present'

Distraction-free and comfort-free travel could potentially provide a mindful flying experience. Mindfulness refers to awareness that occurs through being aware of the present moment. A review concluded that mindfulness has different positive psychological effects. These include improved behavioral regulation, increased well-being, and decreased emotional reactivity.

Traveling without distractions could potentially cause increased mental focus. Without the external distractions of headphones, media, or other such items, mental clarity may be enhanced as your mind can focus on internal tasks or thoughts that require deeper concentration.

Digital detox and minimalism

Raw-dogging a flight could be considered a type of minimalist travel. Minimalism has been reported to have different benefits, such as improved psychological well-being, more sense of control, and less stress.

The absence of digital devices (i.e., mobile phones, tablets, etc.) may be considered a form of short-term digital detox. This form of detox is described as taking a break from electronic devices (such as smartphones) infinitely or for short periods of time.

A systematic review did not reach a definitive conclusion on the effects of digital detox on health and well-being. Rather, it pointed out that while some studies found positive effects of a digital detox, others found either no effect or negative effects.

A response to overstimulation

Nowadays, modern life can be very overstimulating, from the busy city noises to coffee-shop music. Purposefully reducing technology and other comfort devices by flying a raw-dogging flight could be a response to — or rebellion against — overstimulation in modern life.

Potential health impacts of raw-dogging a flight

Currently, no scientific studies or publications exist for raw-dogging a flight and/or its benefits or harm. However, its potential associations with well-being can be drawn.

Mental health benefits

It is hypothesized in social media that raw-dogging a flight may provide potential benefits due to its link with minimalism and mindfulness. As mentioned above, minimalism may contribute to reduced stress in some people.

A study showed that minimalists experience reduced anxiety and stress — most participants self-reported a reduction in anxiety and stress after they adopted a minimalist lifestyle. Additionally, all participants of the study reported an increase in positive emotions (mainly joy and peacefulness) after adopting a minimalist lifestyle.

Physical health risks

Raw-dogging a flight is essentially comfort-free travel. The fact that it involves no food/snacks, no water, no bathroom breaks, and no naps could have some potential risks to physical health.

The potential negative impacts of foregoing basic comforts include:

• Back pain. Sitting in an upright position (as is the case with most basic economy flights) with no standing or bathroom breaks may increase the risk of back pain. A study showed a possible trend between static sitting and lower back pain.
• Dehydration. Going without water, especially for long-duration flights, may increase the likelihood of dehydration. Mild dehydration may begin after 4–8 hours without water.
• Sleep disruption. Going for a prolonged length of time without a nap may disrupt sleep, especially is traveling to a place with a significant time difference from your home country.

Is raw-dogging a flight really mindful or just a trend?

Now, let's uncover the potential psychology behind this trend and whether it's very mindful...very demure (a nod to another current trend on TikTok).

For something to be trending on social media, it means people are doing it. So, are people raw-dogging flights because it's trending or is it trending because people are doing it? This creates a catch-22 paradox: is the trend fueling the behavior, or is the behavior fueling the trend?

Mindfulness vs. discomfort

Does removing comfort items really contribute to a mindful experience or detract from it?

Comfort items provide what it says on the tin: they provide us with comfort. Therefore, this begs the question of whether removing comfort to cause discomfort purposely is actually mindful.

Practical alternatives to raw-dogging

If you don't fancy traveling down the raw-dogging flight route, there are some practical alternatives you could explore.

Here are some practical suggestions to stay present on a flight without sacrificing your health and comfort:

1. Get up to move often. If possible, try to avoid sitting down throughout the duration of your flight. You can take a few moments to roll your ankles or stand to walk up and down the aisles.
2. Regularly hydrate. The air conditioning on flights can tend to make the air in airplane cabins dry. Take some time to regularly drink water.
3. Use a travel pillow. Travel pillows may help you maintain a good posture while seated or while you take naps.

Tips for more comfortable, mindful flights

You could consider practicing mindful breathing by focusing on deep, slow breathing to stay calm and grounded in the airplane. Some seconds or minutes of mindful breathing may help bring awareness to your body and mind.

Mindfully engaging your senses by feeling the seat beneath you, noticing the sounds of the airplane, or noticing the light coming through the windows (if any) could help you focus on your sensory experiences.

How to stay mindful during a flight without raw-dogging

Different tools, like mindfulness apps or journaling, may be protective ways to stay mindful if you do not prefer to raw-dog.

Using meditation apps

A guided meditation or mindfulness app for a few minutes during the flight could be useful in helping you to stay present. These could help you remain in the present moment while staying relaxed. Ideally, use meditation or mindfulness apps that can be used offline (i.e., without data or Wi-Fi connection).

Journaling and reflection

A clinical trial showed that journaling is linked with reduced mental distress and increased well-being in people with anxiety symptoms. Journaling and reflection could help to engage your thoughts and emotions while eliminating external distractions.

You could try writing about your journey, your destination, and what you plan to do when you get there. You could even use the time in the flight to write about your short-term and long-term goals.

Final word

Currently, no scientific studies or publications exist for raw-dogging a flight and/or its benefits or harm. However, it could have some benefits and drawbacks. For example, it could align with positive mindfulness associations, which, in turn, could result in positive mental health benefits. Ultimately, this form of comfort-free travel could have some potential risks, such as back pain and dehydration.