"Raw dogging" has recently caused a stir in the travel industry. Despite its connotation, it has nothing to do with the mile-high club.
Raw dogging a flight involves simplifying the air travel experience, mainly among men.
Google the term (if you dare); it basically means "to bareback."
What is 'Raw Dogging' a Flight, and Why is it a Trend?
"The minimum expectation is that participants abstain from most forms of entertainment: no movies, television, or music through the free earbuds," reports Conde Nast Traveler. "Not even analog entertainment like a paperback or journal to write in."
Some even go without food, water, and restroom visits.
Considering the current state of air passenger behaviour, the name seems fitting, but there's nothing unruly about the trend of air travellers refraining from utilizing all forms of in-flight entertainment.
Conde Nast spoke with a meditation instructor who claimed that practicing in-flight fasting (mentally and physically) creates a deeper sense of awareness and gratitude.
For the record, experts suggest not abstaining from water during long flights - there's nothing mindful about brain fog during those initial travel days.
Self-Imposed Boredom
The trend appeals to a certain kind of traveller.
A therapist in California who specializes in working with men told CNN, “It’s definitely more socially acceptable for men to brag about something like this. Also, I think it might be more of a male psyche kind of thing: I like a challenge, let me see if I can get through this. It’s an ascetic practice, but branding it with bro-speak."
A writer named Luke Winkie shared with GQ that he eases his flight anxiety by flying without in-flight entertainment and chooses self-imposed boredom for inner peace.
The 'White Noise' Cabin Environment is Actually Conducive
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, told the Daily Mail that the white noise from the plane engines can help passengers find their Zen. "The white noise part really adds to that, and it can be frustrating sometimes to 'do' other things," she said. "So raw dogging can allow you to really do some quiet contemplation and not just distract yourself away from your thoughts or try to do impossible things like work in a cramped window seat."
At one time, it was common for many people to take flights without any personal entertainment options. Only one movie was played on an overhead screen, so if you fell asleep, you missed it.
Whether it's about chasing the latest hashtag or seeking zen at 30,000 feet, raw dogging is having its moment (of silence) in the spotlight... or, shall we say, above the clouds.
