To Clear Your Ears After Flying [updated] | How

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.

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.

A fake yawn won’t work. Open your mouth wide, drop your jaw, and take a deep, audible yawn. The muscle movement pulls the tubes open. If nothing happens, try tilting your head side to side while yawning. how to clear your ears after flying

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.

Pinch your nose and swallow at the same time. Swallowing naturally opens the Eustachian tubes, and the pinch adds extra pressure to help them equalize. Repeat 3–5 times. That plugged, underwater feeling after a flight is miserable

Safe travels—and happy hearing.

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

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.