Mel, Lucinda is right on the money. I used to have this problem as well. She is explaining how to "clear your ears", it works in diving and in flying. The only difference is I pinch nose, blow out gently through nose while pinched, let go and swallow, repeat as needed. It truly works. MP

Lucinda's method does not work for me, but the Afrin + earplanes + gum does.

Note to Lucinda and MP: You are very lucky to have only had the kind of ear pain that the nose-holding trick will cure. Trust me.... what the other posters are refering too is a whole different thing!

Yikes. Well sounds like the triple afrin, gum decongestant combo may save the day ~ Hope So! MP

I'd suggest you try out the Afrin before the trip. If I were to do three sprays of Afrin I'd probably have heart failure! The stuff really affects me, makes my heart race. The bottle I have says to do two to three sprays every 12 hours. If your flight is only 5 or 6 hours you probably shouldn't be dosing again for the descent. So, try the Afrin first and if you have a bad reaction like I do then stick with the Ear Planes. They are really great.

Donna--I would laugh my head off if I saw your friend with paper cups on his ears. Some people don't want to look this silly, I'm afraid.

I'm very cynical, I must admit. But, last fall I flew back from London to California with the mother of all headcolds. English doctor friend gave me "Ear Planes" and they actually worked. I had dreaded the flight! It wasn't perfect, but I found I only needed them for take off and about one hour before landing. I'll not travel without them again. One pair lasts two flights and you can buy them at any large pharmacy for about $5.