A bizarre new travel trend called “raw dogging” has emerged, where passengers deliberately forgo any form of entertainment or distraction during flights. Popularized on social media and credited to a scene from the Apple TV+ series “Hijacked,” participants endure hours without music, movies, or even sleep, simply staring at the in-flight map or sitting in silence. High-profile individuals like Manchester City footballer Erling Haaland have participated in this trend, posting about their experiences online.
However, experts are raising serious concerns about the potential health risks associated with this practice. Nutritionist Toby King warned that remaining immobile for long periods without adequate hydration can significantly increase the risk of blood clots, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism. Dr. Gill Jenkins, a general practitioner, added that the trend is not only risky but also goes against medical advice, emphasizing the dangers of dehydration and deep vein thrombosis during long-haul flights.
The trend has been met with criticism from the medical community, who describe it as dangerous and reckless. Travel experts are advising passengers to stay hydrated and move around during flights to mitigate health risks. The consensus is clear: while a digital detox might be beneficial, “raw dogging” a flight is not worth the potential harm it could cause.
