Posted by Bennie Sue (63.16.4.181) on May 26, 2000 at 23:22:05:
My niece has terrible allergies and once almost fainted from pain while flying. The flight attendant evidently saw her turn pale and offered her some spirits of ammonia. This eased the pain almost immediately.
Too, I remember that chewing gum also helps keep pressure equalized. You hear a lot of screaming babies on planes who probably have ear pain. Sucking on a bottle of water can help, I have heard.