TikTok's latest trend: Enduring flights without distractions
Regular flights are a thing of the past. On TikTok, "rawdogging" is trending - a challenge for the bravest travellers. Do you have the willpower to survive a flight without any entertainment?
Modern travellers 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 beverages with alcohol 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?
What is "rawdogging" and why is it gaining popularity?
"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 behaviour on board. In English slang, "rawdog" means having sex without a condom. However, in the context of travelling, 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 (4,400-minute) 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 his achievement of surviving an 11-hour (6,600-minute) flight by looking only at the map. "The only thing to watch whilst flying," 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 length. "This is her on a 9 hour flight. No iPad. No headphones. No book. At least she's comfy. Go girl," wrote Cooke.
While it may seem extreme, many people on TikTok support this minimalist way of travelling. One comment read: "This is 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!"
