How To Clear Your Ears After Flying May 2026

Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers. Keep your mouth shut. Then gently breathe out through your nose—like you’re trying to pop your ears on purpose. Stop immediately if you feel pain. You should hear a soft click or pop.

If you have sinus congestion, a few sprays of a saline or oxymetazoline (like Afrin) nasal spray can reduce swelling. Use decongestant sprays sparingly—no more than 2–3 days. Saline is safe to repeat.

Gum is great, but warm liquid works faster. Sip hot tea, broth, or even water while pinching your nose and swallowing (combined Toynbee + hydration). The steam from a hot drink also helps loosen mucus. how to clear your ears after flying

Here’s a clear, helpful, and engaging write-up you can use for a blog, social post, or travel guide.

Run a hot shower and breathe in the steam for 5–10 minutes. Or soak a washcloth in warm (not scalding) water, wring it out, and hold it against the affected ear. Heat relaxes the muscles around the Eustachian tube. Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers

The good news? You can usually fix it in minutes. Here’s your step-by-step guide.

Safe travels—and happy hearing.

That plugged, underwater feeling after a flight is miserable. You’ve landed, but your ears haven’t. This common issue—called "airplane ear" or ear barotrauma—happens when pressure changes during takeoff and landing trap air in your Eustachian tubes.