You might have heard of rawdogging before but, no, this has no relation to the mile high club.
You’re on Girls Who Travel but in the world of boys who travel, there’s a recent phenomenon among men where they “rawdog a flight.” This isn’t just about choosing the cheapest airline or refusing to check a bag; it’s about boldly boarding the plane without any of the basic comforts or tools that make a flight bearable. This phenomenon has come to be known as “rawdogging” a flight which means flying with nothing but the clothes on your back and the blind confidence that you’ll be fine for the next few hours. No neck pillow, no headphones, no snacks, no plan. Just you and your bad decisions.
In my humble opinion, rawdogging a flight is not a good idea. Not only does it reveal a lack of foresight and understanding of air travel, but it also ignores basic science. Join in me this lighthearted dig at why this “tough guy” act is both ridiculous and counterproductive.
The Human Body is Not Built for Air Travel
The physical toll that air travel takes on a person’s body is the first thing that rawdoggers seem to implicitly minimise. Airplanes are pressurised to simulate the air at around 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. Much, much higher than the typical altitude at which most people live. The sudden change in pressure affects the body in multiple ways.
Dry Air and Dehydration
Airplane cabins are VERY dry. The humidity levels can go up to 10-20% low. For reference, the humidity in a typical home is between 30-60% percent. Your skin, eyes, and respiratory system lose moisture when you fly because of said dry air. This explains why most of us will have sore throats, dry skin, or itchy eyes after a flight. So, a rawdogger is basically himself at a risk of discomfort. Bro, just drink water and apply some lotion.
This study confirmed that dehydration is a significant issue during flights, yet the rawdogger, in his infinite wisdom, neglects to even bring a water bottle on board. Apparently, in his mind, the mere act of planning ahead is too much to ask.
Swelling and Circulation Problems
The way flying screws up your circulation is another fun feature. Long periods of sitting, particularly in claustrophobic airline seats, can cause blood to clot, resulting in swelling. At best, this is uncomfortable; at worst, it may be harmful. Blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are more likely to occur during lengthy flights. DVT is a serious risk on flights longer than four hours, especially if you don’t move around or wear compression socks.
Now, do you believe that compression socks are worn by the average rawdogger? Obviously not. He is too busy demonstrating that he is too tough for these kinds of “luxuries.” Instead, he sits there swelling up like a balloon, completely oblivious to the fact that his ignorance could literally kill him. Bravo.
Cabin Noise: Why Headphones Are Not Just a Comfort but a Necessity
Anyone who has ever flown knows that airplanes make a lot of noise. Flights can be a symphony of noise due to the buzzing sound of engines, the chitchat of other travellers, and the occasional crying infant. Noise levels in an airplane cabin are typically 85 dB at takeoff and 75 dB during cruise. This is about the same as having a hoover running beside you for a few hours at a time.
Although most tourists pack earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out this cacophony, the rawdogger seems to take pleasure in torturing his ears. His eardrums pound as he sits there blissfully uninformed. Is it because he enjoys the pain? Does he think he is a better man because he ignores basic sensory overload? It’s difficult to say, but he’s obviously opting for discomfort just for funsies. How about not going deaf in your 40s? But I guess that’s a lesson for another day.
In-Flight Entertainment: Why Sitting Without Distractions is a Bad Idea
The standard flight experience isn’t exactly stimulating. Even with in-flight entertainment systems, you’re confined to a small space with limited freedom of movement for hours on end. Most passengers bring along their own forms of entertainment: books, movies, music, or games to pass the time. But not the rawdogger. Oh no, he’s far too rugged for that.
For reasons known only to him, the rawdogger often boards a flight with no entertainment whatsoever, choosing instead to sit there in some kind of zen-like trance (or worse, scroll through social media without sound because he didn’t bring headphones). Perhaps he believes that enduring boredom is a sign of strength. In reality, it’s just another example of poor planning.
Studies show that boredom can actually increase stress. Prolonged boredom can lead to heightened cortisol levels, which are linked to stress and anxiety. So, while the rawdogger sits there stewing in his own boredom, his body is literally pumping out stress hormones, all because he thought bringing a book was for “weaklings.”
Hygiene on Flights: Skipping Basic Cleanliness is Just Gross
Airplanes are not exactly the pinnacle of cleanliness. Hundreds of people cycle through the same cramped space every day, and even with cleaning crews in place, planes are breeding grounds for germs. Bacteria like E. coli can survive for days on airplane surfaces, including tray tables, seat pockets, and armrests.
Given this reality, you’d think the rawdogger might at least bring hand sanitiser or disinfectant wipes. But no. Our hero is too tough for that. He boldly eats his in-flight meal (if he was smart enough to bring one, which he likely wasn’t) with his bare, unwashed hands, probably wiping them on his pants afterward. Meanwhile, he’s blissfully unaware that he’s exposing himself to all sorts of germs.
The science is clear: planes are full of bacteria. Passengers are at increased risk of contracting the flu, colds, and other illnesses due to close proximity and shared surfaces. Yet the rawdogger treats basic hygiene like an optional extra, ensuring that he’ll probably catch something on his flight and then proudly declare, “I never get sick,” as he coughs through the next week.
Rawdogging a Flight is Just Stupid
In the grand scheme of things, rawdogging a flight is not just a misguided attempt to appear tough, it’s actively detrimental to the traveller’s health, comfort, and well-being. From dehydration and jet lag to exposure to germs and unnecessary boredom, the science clearly shows that going unprepared on a flight is a recipe for discomfort and potential harm.
So, to the men who think they’re proving something by rawdogging flights: you’re not. You’re just making your trip harder than it needs to be. Instead of clinging to the absurd idea that real men don’t need comforts, try embracing the reality that smart men prepare for situations that are known to be uncomfortable and taxing. Your body and everyone around you will thank you.
Rachel is an intrepid world traveller, lifestyle connoisseuse, and the resident beauty advisor at Girls Who Travel. A true ocean lover with a soft spot for flowers, films, and storytelling, she also has a growing collection of medium-sized tattoos. When she’s not immersed in her next adventure, Rachel shares stories from her travels along with practical tips and insights to help other women make the most of their journeys.
