How To Pop Ear After Flight [upd] Jun 2026

This is the most subtle method. Pinch your nose shut. Close your mouth. Swallow. This is the opposite of what most people try. Instead of forcing air out, swallowing creates a vacuum that pulls the Eustachian tube open. It often works when the "hold-your-nose-and-blow" method fails.

If you fly frequently, keep a decongestant nasal spray (like Afrin) in your carry-on. If your ears won't pop, use the spray and wait 15 minutes. It shrinks the swollen tissue in the back of the throat, opening the runway for air to travel.

Browning, G. G. (2020). Scott-Brown’s Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (9th ed.). CRC Press. how to pop ear after flight

Physiology and Remediation of Post-Flight Aural Pressure: A Guide to Equalizing the Middle Ear

To minimize the risk of ear popping during your next flight, try these prevention tips: This is the most subtle method

To pop your ears effectively, you have to understand the mechanics.

Gently pull your earlobe down and away from your head while opening and closing your mouth. This can sometimes help shift the pressure. 2. Advanced Pressure Maneuvers Swallow

Soak a washcloth in hot water, wring it out, and hold it against the affected ear (don't burn yourself). The heat dilates the blood vessels and relaxes the tissue around the Eustachian tube, making it easier to open.

Mirza, S., & Richardson, H. (2018). Otic barotrauma in commercial aviation. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine , 89(3), 245-249.

Take a sip of water, but don't swallow it immediately. Tilt your head back and gargle the water softly. The vibration and muscle engagement in the throat can shake the tubes loose.