| Changes in pressure can temporarily block the | | | | your feet to swell. Try not to wear new or tight |
| Eustachian tube, causing your ears to 'pop' or to | | | | shoes while flying. |
| experience a sensation of fullness. To equalize the | | | | Alcohol and coffee both have a drying effect on the |
| pressure, swallow frequently; chewing gum | | | | body. Airliner cabin air is relatively dry to begin with, |
| sometimes helps. Yawning is also effective. Avoid | | | | and the combination can increase your chances of |
| sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often | | | | contracting a respiratory infection. If you wear |
| enough to keep ahead of the pressure change. If | | | | contact lenses, the low cabin humidity and/or |
| yawning or swallowing doesn't help, use the 'valsalva | | | | consumption of alcohol or coffee can reduce your |
| maneuver': | | | | tear volume, leading to discomfort if you don't blink |
| * Pinch your nostrils shut, then breathe in a mouthful | | | | often enough. Lens wearers should clean their lenses |
| of air. | | | | thoroughly before the flight, use lubricating eye drops |
| * Using only your cheek and throat muscles, force air | | | | during the flight, read in intervals, and take the lenses |
| into the back of your nose as if you were trying to | | | | out if they nap. |
| blow your thumb and finger off your nostrils. | | | | If you are permitted to buy bottled water and bring |
| * Be very gentle and blow in short successive | | | | it on the plane (check before your fly), get the |
| attempts. When you hear or feel a pop in your ears, | | | | biggest bottle you can carry. Some countries don't |
| you have succeeded. Never force air from your lungs | | | | allow you to carry a bottle of water through the |
| or abdomen (diaphragm); this can create pressures | | | | security checkpoint - but you can purchase one in |
| that are too intense. | | | | the terminal (at ridiculously higher prices). Even if you |
| Babies are especially troubled by these pressure | | | | can buy the water at the terminal, doesn't mean you |
| changes during descent. Having them feed from a | | | | can carry it onboard. Check, check and re-check. |
| bottle or suck on a pacifier will often provide relief. | | | | If you take prescription medications, bring enough to |
| Avoid flying if you have recently had abdominal, eye | | | | last through your trip. Take along a copy of the |
| or oral surgery, including a root canal. The pressure | | | | prescription, or your doctor's name and telephone |
| changes that occur during climb and descent can | | | | number, in case the medication is lost or stolen. The |
| result in discomfort. | | | | medicine should be in the original prescription bottle in |
| If you have an upper respiratory or sinus infection, | | | | order to avoid questions at security or Customs |
| you may also experience discomfort resulting from | | | | inspections. Carry it in a pocket or a carry-on bag; |
| pressure changes. Postpone your trip if possible. | | | | don't pack it in a checked bag, in case the bag is lost. |
| (Check to see if your fare has cancellation or change | | | | Check with TSA on latest rules and regulations. |
| penalties.) A final tip on pressure changes: they cause | | | | |