Travel Guide 101: How to Make Your Flight Fun and Fantastic

Most people are fond of traveling via planes because it is faster and are sometimes more comfortable than any other mode of transportation. However, some are not just a fan of air travel because it could be uncomfortable at times. The major cause of their discomfort? Ear pain due to change in pressure.

Called aerotitus, this condition happens to at least one third of all plane passengers. So do not worry! You are not alone - it happens to most people at least once.

Rapid changes in the air pressure of the plane cause ear pain. When the plane takes off or lands, the air pocket inside the middle ear expands, causing the eardrum to stretch. To normalize the ear drum, air must enter and escape through the Eustachian tube in the ear. This tube sometimes can not adapt quickly enough to air pressure change, thus causing pain inside the ears.

So how will you lessen that painful, almost deafening experience when the plane takes off and lands? There are actually a few helpful tips on how to still enjoy the flight despite the ear pain brought by air pressure change.

Swallow. Take constant big gulps to help push the air out your ears. You can also try to yawn several times. If you are tired from swallowing air, pinch your nose and take a big breath to do the trick. The key is opening your mouth as wide and as frequent as you can to help lessen ear pain in no time.

Chew gum or drink water. Keeping your mouth preoccupied will ensure air to enter in your mouth and once again push the air out of your ears.

Take a decongestant medicine before you the flight. By applying this method, the swollen membranes of your sinus and ear canal will shrink, making it easier for air to come in and escape on your ear.

While these are surefire steps to lessen ear pain during flights, the best way is still to avoid flying when you have ear infection, congestion, or allergies as they will only further cause aerotitus. Since your Eustachian tubes are already clogged enough, the rapid change of air pressure will further add to that and cause extreme pain.