This isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice for those who enjoy questioning their life decisions at 35,000 feet.
As a travel writer who’s spent more time in the sky than on solid ground, I’ve experienced it all—luxury lounges, gourmet in-flight meals, and the latest in noise-canceling tech. But nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the sheer madness and minimalist glory of raw dogging a flight. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice for those who enjoy questioning their life decisions at 35,000 feet.
The Birth of the In-Flight Masochist
You might wonder who in their right mind would choose to board a 10-hour flight with nothing but the clothes on their back and perhaps a smug sense of superiority. Well, it turns out there’s a sizable group of us—let’s call us “flight ascetics”—who have decided that entertainment is for the weak.
The concept of raw dogging a flight emerged from the dark, chaotic corners of TikTok, where trends are born and common sense goes to die. The term itself, which originally had far less savory connotations, was rebranded by a few brave souls who decided that the ultimate travel flex was surviving a long-haul flight with no headphones, no movies, and no sanity. Just you, your thoughts, and the inexplicably loud engine hum that’ll be your only companion for hours on end.
What started as a quirky challenge quickly snowballed into a viral sensation. TikTokers and Twitter users began documenting their experiences, bragging about how they managed to sit in silence for seven, eight, or even fifteen hours. They stared down the barrel of boredom and lived to tell the tale, often with a look in their eyes that suggests they’ve seen some things. Some compare it to a form of meditation. Others just seem to enjoy the horror of it all.
Levels of Raw Dogging Flights: From Casual to Ultra-Hardcore
Not all raw dogging flights are created equal. There are different levels, each offering its own unique blend of mental and physical challenges:
1. The Casual Raw Dogger
This is the entry-level version, ideal for those new to the concept. Casual raw doggers might skip the in-flight entertainment but still allow themselves small comforts like a bottle of water or a quick snack. They might also opt for a window seat, where they can at least enjoy the view or the flight map. This level is more about dipping your toes into the experience without completely depriving yourself of all comforts.
2. The Intermediate Raw Dogger
Stepping it up a notch, intermediate raw doggers will forgo all forms of entertainment, including music, books, or movies. They might bring along water or a light snack but will mostly rely on the flight map or staring at the seat in front of them to pass the time. This level requires a bit more mental toughness and a willingness to embrace boredom as a form of meditation.
3. The Hardcore Raw Dogger
This is the full experience, designed for those who truly want to test their mental and physical endurance. Hardcore raw doggers avoid all comforts: no entertainment, no snacks, no water, and they might even choose the dreaded middle seat for an added challenge. These travelers might wear uncomfortable clothing like jeans instead of sweatpants, and they often boast about their ability to sit for long-haul flights (sometimes over 14 hours) without moving, eating, or drinking. It’s a true test of resilience and, some might say, a form of modern-day stoicism.
4. The Ultra-Hardcore Raw Dogger
For the truly extreme, there's the ultra-hardcore version. These individuals might even skip bathroom breaks, turning the flight into a pure mental and physical endurance test. They aim to reach new “personal bests” by staying as motionless and undistracted as possible, often posting about their feats on social media to both inspire and terrify their followers.
Health Risks: So, You Want to Raw Dog a Flight? Prepare to Suffer
Let’s not sugarcoat it: raw dogging a flight isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s more like a march through the desert with no water. Here’s a taste of what you’re signing up for:
Dehydration: Planes are dry. Like, desert-dry. And when you’re too cool to drink water because you’re too busy pondering life’s mysteries (or just staring at the seat in front of you), dehydration sneaks up faster than you can say, “Is this really a good idea?” Pro tip: Maybe, just maybe, consider taking a sip or two of water. Or don’t. Who am I to judge?
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Sitting still for hours is not just boring; it’s dangerous. Raw dogging might make you feel like a zen master, but if you don’t get up and stretch those legs, you could end up with a blood clot, which is neither zen nor cool. So, while you’re practicing your stoic stare, try to stand up and shake it out occasionally. Your legs will thank you.
Mental Fatigue: Imagine staring at the back of a seat for eight hours straight. Sounds fun, right? Wrong. This is where raw dogging separates the casual from the hardcore. The mental fatigue is real, and by hour five, you might start questioning everything—your life choices, the meaning of existence, and why you thought this was a good idea in the first place. But hey, that’s all part of the charm.
Jet Lag and Sleep Deprivation: You think jet lag is bad after a normal flight? Try it after raw dogging. With no distractions, the hours stretch out like an endless highway, and you might find sleep elusive. When you land, don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve just emerged from a sensory deprivation chamber—because, well, you sort of have.
When to Raw Dog a Flight: Timing Is Everything
Raw dogging isn’t something you just do on a whim. It requires careful planning, mental fortitude, and, let’s be honest, a bit of masochism. Here’s when to take the plunge:
Short-haul flights (1-3 hours): Perfect for casual and intermediate raw dogging. It’s short enough to handle without going completely stir-crazy.
Medium-haul flights (4-7 hours): This is where intermediate and hardcore raw dogging comes into play. The length of these flights offers a solid challenge without pushing you to the brink.
Long-haul flights (8+ hours): Reserved for the hardcore and ultra-hardcore raw doggers. These flights are the ultimate test of endurance, where the mental and physical challenges truly begin to take a toll.
The Best Flights to Raw Dog in 2024
For those ready to embrace the challenge, here are the best flights to raw dog in 2024. Each of these routes offers a unique mix of length, scenic views, and potential for existential crisis:
New York to San Francisco: At just five hours, this is a nice warm-up. The route takes you over some stunning landscapes, and it’s short enough that you won’t completely lose your mind. Just mostly.
London to Singapore: This is where the big boys play. Thirteen hours of nothing but your thoughts, a flight map, and the distant memory of joy. Welcome to the big leagues.
Sydney to Los Angeles: A solid 15-hour journey across the Pacific Ocean. It’s just you, the blue abyss, and the realization that you could have just watched a movie instead.
Dubai to Tokyo: Nearly 10 hours of crossing continents. It’s a bit shorter, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still a mental marathon.
Buenos Aires to Madrid: A transatlantic flight that’ll give you plenty of time to ponder why you didn’t just bring a book. But the payoff? You’ll land in Europe with a newfound appreciation for, well, everything else.
Raw Dogging—Because Why Not?
Raw dogging flights isn’t just about proving how tough you are; it’s about finding peace in the absurd. It’s about stripping away the distractions of modern travel and confronting the journey head-on, even if it means staring at a seat-back pocket for hours on end. It’s not for everyone—just the slightly unhinged, the curious, and those who enjoy questioning their life choices in the most extreme ways possible.
So, if you’re feeling brave (or just really bored with in-flight entertainment), give raw dogging a try. Just remember to hydrate, stretch, and maybe keep a movie downloaded on your phone—just in case. After all, even the most hardcore raw doggers need a break sometimes.
