Don’t just drink anything. During descent (the most painful phase), sip warm water through a straw while holding your nose. The combination of suction and pressure forces air up the eustachian tube. No straw? Use a bottle with a sport cap.
If you’re even slightly congested, your tubes are swollen. 30 minutes before descent, use a saline nasal spray (not decongestant spray—that can cause rebound congestion). Rinse the mucus out. Dry tubes = smooth equalization. how to make your ears not pop on a plane
If you feel a sharp pain, tell a flight attendant. They can ask the pilot to slow the descent rate—yes, they can do that for medical comfort. Don’t just drink anything
Pressure changes are worst during ascent and descent. Start yawning before you feel discomfort. Can’t fake a yawn? Open your mouth wide as if you’re at the dentist and push your jaw forward. This mechanically opens those tubes. No straw