Travel expert hack to stay comfortable and avoid earache when travelling on plane

Jetting off abroad is exciting, however the associated earache that can often come with flying can make things rather uncomfortable. But beating plane-related discomfort might be easier than you think.

According to The Ear Nurse, whose viral lifehack for beating earache and discomfort has over 1.8 million views on TikTok, it can be.

In the now viral video, The Ear Nurse showed how covering your ears with plastic cups containing hot paper towels makes an air-tight seal, and the steam controls the pressure inside your ear. This way your ears can handle the change in pressure from the aeroplane's ascent and descent.

Read more: Sign up to Mirror US's SMS updates for the latest straight from the newsroom

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

In the video, she explains: “Ask your flight attendant for two plastic cups with hot paper towels. Trust me, they’ll know exactly what you’re asking for. Put these on both of your ears causing an airtight seal. The steam helps stabilise the pressure in the middle ear, it’s all to do with barometric pressure.”

TikTok users were quick to comment on the hack, with one user saying: “This absolutely works a flight attendant taught us this when my 6 yr old had an issue on a flight home many years ago!”

While another commented: “I flew and I was dying of Ear ache in both ears I was crying The flight attendant asked me what’s wrong I told her she did the same thing [sic].”

But it’s not just earache that affects travellers jetting off abroad, according to Netflights cramping and foot pain are just as common as in-flight ear pain.

To further help travellers, Netflights have shared some things you can do when flying for a more comfortable journey.

For beating earache, Netflights explained that: “Experts suggest drinking from a bottle, sucking a lollipop, or for babies to try a dummy. The sucking process reduces ear pressure by encouraging them to swallow more.”

While, for passengers prone to swelling on flights, they recommend compression socks and said: “Wearing compression socks when flying will increase circulation and reduce the risk of swelling, resulting in a more comfortable flight.”

It’s also important to stay hydrated according to Netflights, who said: “Our bodies can become dehydrated when flying, which leads to cramping and muscle aches. Ensure you stay hydrated and drink plenty of water before and during the flight, replenishing any lost fluids to prevent muscle fatigue.”

They also recommend requesting an aisle seat to ensure that you have plenty of legroom, allowing you to stretch out and relax while you fly, as well as making sure to sit up straight in your seat to help avoid back pain and discomfort.