Damion Bailey recently went viral on social media after posting about his latest travel feat – enduring a 13.5-hour flight from Shanghai to Dallas without engaging in any form of entertainment, reading material, or music.
The 34-year-old, from Miami, described it as a ‘personal best’ and admitted: “It’s quite tough, honestly.”
Bailey is just one of many in a growing travel movement where participants, mostly younger men, voluntarily subject themselves to long-haul flights in complete mental solitude.
No screens, no books, no headphones – just the hum of the aircraft and their own thoughts.

This growing trend is being called ‘r**-dogging’ a flight.
The phenomenon is spreading on social media, with people sharing evidence of their tough travel experiences.
Australian music producer Torren Foot posted a TikTok video bragging: “Just r**-dogged it, 15 hour flight to Melbourne. No music, no movies, just flight map.”
Even top athletes like Manchester City striker Erling Haaland have taken part.
He claimed to have completed a seven-hour flight with: “No phone, no sleep, no water, no food,” describing it as ‘easy.’
However, medical experts are unimpressed by the trend.
Dr. Gill Jenkins, a GP and air ambulance physician, called it reckless and told the BBC bluntly: “They’re idiots,” adding: “Skipping food, water, and movement on long flights increases your risk of dehydration and deep vein thrombosis. And not going to the toilet? That’s just foolish.”
Although the extreme versions of the trend are dangerous, some psychologists suggest there might be a psychological benefit.

Business psychologist Danielle Haig emphasizes that in today’s hyper-connected world, setting aside time for solitude and mental stillness provides a crucial mental reset.
She explains, “It’s a chance to recharge mentally and gain fresh perspectives,” especially for those wanting to unplug from nonstop digital distractions.
Psychologist and author Sandi Mann, who wrote The Science of Boredom, adds that boredom itself can boost creativity and relaxation.
“People are hooked on dopamine hits from technology. We need to relearn how to simply stare out the window sometimes,” she says.
That said, Mann also warns that during long flights, staying active and hydrated remains important for health.
Meanwhile, some travelers find the ‘r**-dogging’ experience overrated.
“Big mistake,” insists one TikTok user. “Pretty sure the only thing that took off was my sanity.”
