Doctor warns of fatal risks of ‘raw-dogging’ flights and brands those who do it ‘idiots’

An expert has warned that the bizarre new trend on planes could have some serious health risks

Rikki Loftus

A doctor has warned that the bizarre new trend of “raw-dogging” flights comes with fatal risks.

The expert has branded anyone who tries the challenge as “idiots” as it continues to grow in popularity.

The trend to “raw-dog” flights has spread across social media this summer… and it’s not what you might think.

The idea is to spend a flight without the use of any modern comforts.

This includes snacking, sleeping, or binge-watching films. When you’re “raw-dogging”, you can’t drink any water or make any toilet trips.

The challenge is to stare straight ahead or at the in-flight map for the duration of the long-haul trip.

It’s become increasingly popular with men, and celebrities have even hopped on the trend, with Manchester City player Erling Haaland posting that he spent a seven hour flight with “no phone, no sleep, no water, no food”, adding “#easy”.

However, one doctor is urging people not to try out the challenge, claiming that it could pose some serious health effects.

What are the health risks?

Speaking to the BBC, Dr Gill Jenkins, a GP who also works as a medical escort for an air ambulance, said: “They’re idiots. A digital detox might do you some good, but all the rest of it is against medical advice.

Manchester City footballer Erling Haarland joined the trend (Instagram/@erling.haaland)

“The whole thing about the risk of long-haul flying is that you’re at risk of dehydration.

“If you’re not moving you’re at risk of deep vein thrombosis, which is compounded by dehydration. Not going to the toilet, that’s a bit stupid. If you need the loo, you need the loo.”

However, it’s not all bad, another expert – business psychologist Danielle Haig – believes that on the whole, the trend could also be positive for participants.

Are there benefits to “raw-dogging” flights?

She said that the challenge “offers an opportunity to recharge mentally, gain new perspectives”.

She added that it’s “a collective yearning for balance as people seek to reclaim their mental space and foster a deeper connection with their inner selves”.

The trend has grown over the summer (TikTok/@oiwudini)

People have been sharing their own experiences with raw-dogging flights on social media.

A UK-based DJ named Wudini (@oiwudini) took to TikTok to share his own personal best, posting: “Just raw-dogged a 7-hour flight.”

He added: “No headphones, no movie, no water, nothing. Incredible. The power of my mind knows no bounds.”

Another TikToker named Michelle (@wunderfullymichelle) shared a clip from her five-hour flight from New York City to San Francisco where she wrote: “I have never seen so many people raw-dogging a flight in my life. Literally just staring straight ahead the entire time?”

It doesn’t look like the trend is disappearing anytime soon.