Bring gum along with you. When you are taking off, chew it. Another way to help with air pressure is to blow with your hand over your nose and mouth. Plus one more - swallow and yawn.

susantsao: Welcome to fodors.

Not being snarky (well just a <i>little</i> I guess) -- but don't you think most travelers already know to bring ear plugs, chewing gum, and book non-stops when possible?

The "helpful hints" are back.

Is there a point to these threads? LOL!

(I know I sound mean, but Susan seems to be on a quest. She is posting these helpful "threads" on a couple of message boards and really providing no "feedback" or value. I don't get it... LOL!)

I'm also curious the reason for these posts. Or maybe you could at least put them all into just one post? Pack earplugs, chew gum on the plane, and book nonstops flights isn't exactly breaking news on a travel forum!

Doesn't it get very loud when you chew gum when wearing ear plugs?

Also, what if one's going to/from SIN?

When travelling on an airplane you will be required to sit in a seat. To make this easier, practice sitting down at least 4 or 5 times a day for a week preceding your flight. Remember to bend at the knees as well as at your hips.

To improve health, swallow your gum after chewing, as it will help to keep your insides stuck together.

Take the gum (chewed) and break it into two pieces then get a piece of string and use the chewing gum to stick it on the windows on two sides of the plane. Attach the string before take-off with the cabin door open. Then, when the plane takes off and levels off at 36,000 feet or so see if the string gets tighter and pulls one of the gum wads off. Repeat this for landing to see if the string sags.
Keep us posted of the results.

If you want to land sooner, open the exit door and jump while the plane is in the air. You might not survive in one piece, but at least you'll be on the ground before everyone else.

Just in case the first time travelers didn't know what to bring in their first flight, then it may of great help!

RonDace's advice is good but here's a better use for your gum:

I chew the gum, then I take it out of my mouth and divide it into 6 pieces. Then I put pieces of gum in my ears, up my nose and over my eyes. This not only helps with pressure, but it helps me to forget about the tremendous probability of crashing upon take-off or landing becuase I didn't book a non-stop flight.

Susan, you won't find a lot of people on this board who have never flown before. In fact, I doubt ANY poster to this board has never flown before.

PM-stop don't make me laugh!!!

OK dutyfree, I won't tell you the place where I stick the 7th piece of gum.