TikTok's 'raw dogging' flight challenge raises concerns among travel experts

New travel fad involves skipping in-flight amenities, but experts warn it may be more harmful than helpful.

A recent trend known as "raw dogging" has taken the skies by storm, where travelers forego all in-flight comforts such as entertainment, food, water, and even sleep. 

This trend, predominantly among men, involves passengers spending their flight time staring into space, supposedly to test their willpower. 

However, travel experts have raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with this practice.

According to travel professionals from the flight-booking app Netflights, as reported by the Daily Mail, avoiding hydration and food during flights can lead to serious discomfort and health issues. 

"With low oxygen pressure on flights and a change in humidity levels, an increased amount of water evaporates from our skin and lungs when flying, so it becomes increasingly important to stay hydrated and consume liquids," the experts advised. 

They also noted that not eating can cause "fatigue and extreme tiredness," which could impact travelers' energy levels upon arrival.

Moreover, skipping sleep can exacerbate jet lag, as resting during the flight helps the body adjust to new time zones more efficiently. 

"Relaxing and sleeping on a flight can allow your body to rest and recover, minimizing the potential effects of jetlag," they explained. 

Despite the claims that raw dogging serves as a mental fortitude challenge—a "dopamine detox," as some proponents describe it—experts argue that it might actually lead to increased stress. 

Without distractions, passengers might overthink, potentially spiraling into anxiety.

Ultimately, while some, like UK DJ Wudini who boasts over 13.2 million TikTok followers, claim that raw dogging showcases the strength of the human mind, travel experts suggest sticking to traditional ways of enjoying flights. 

"For ultimate happiness, explore the in-flight entertainment or [do] activities so you can switch off and take a well-deserved rest!" they recommended, emphasizing the importance of comfort and health over mental endurance tests in the air.