Where ya sittin on that plane?

[KyleAfterAWhile]

Usually none of us have bad issues with our ears. This time, coming home, we had major ear issues. Does where you sit on the plane have any affect on that?

 

[Kaytie]

It shouldn't matter. The entire cabin is pressurized.

 

[AngiTN]

Wherever we find an empty seat, and I can sit on the aisle.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

My other half always has ear issues when we fly. In his case, the location of the seat makes no difference about his ear issues. What does make a difference is the route/descent pattern and if he's having sinus/allergy issues or a cold before we fly.

It's never a good idea to fly when you're feeling ill, but if you fly with a cold prepare for major discomfort.

Even when he isn't ill, he has a whole regimen of decongestants and nasal sprays that he uses before/during the flight. He also uses these ear plugs call Earplanes that help some people.

I hope you and yours feel better soon!!!

 

[sam_gordon]

I'm hoping I'm on the inside.

I don't see anyway where you sit would have different pressure (causing more/less ear issues).

 

[AngiTN]

I wonder if it's possible for the plane to have the pressure set in the cabin was off just enough for it to make a difference to your ears? Do they have a range of acceptable settings? Or can it have a malfunction so that it's working but slightly off from what our bodies are used to? I haven't a clue about these things

 

[Chirple]

Usually none of us have bad issues with our ears. This time, coming home, we had major ear issues. Does where you sit on the plane have any affect on that?

Front, back, middle...doesn't matter. Normally when I am flying to my destination I do not have issues, but I always suffer on the way home. I also use Earplanes, nasal sprays, decongestants. Sometimes it just doesn't help.

 

[Farro]

I always try to sit by the wing. Either the emergency row, right in back of or right in front of the wing. No idea why.

 

[charmed59]

A friend who travels has a fancy diving watch which shows air pressure. In a dinner conversation he mentioned that he found different airlines tend to pressurize the passenger cabins at different levels. And if he was having trouble with his ears he’d glance at his watch and every time found that the cabin was pressurized a bit less than normal.

 

[sam_gordon]

A friend who travels has a fancy diving watch which shows air pressure. In a dinner conversation he mentioned that he found different airlines tend to pressurize the passenger cabins at different levels. And if he was having trouble with his ears he’d glance at his watch and every time found that the cabin was pressurized a bit less than normal.

That doesn't surprise me. I just don't know anyway you could pressure different areas of the same plane to different levels.

 

[Dis703]

My ears are HORRIBLE on airplanes. Some flights are better than others, but where you sit has nothing to do with it. But several years ago my doctor did tell me where you sit makes a difference for motion sickness and I do find that to be true. He said it's best to sit on the wings if it makes you sick and I have found it helps.

 

[writerguyfl]

A friend who travels has a fancy diving watch which shows air pressure. In a dinner conversation he mentioned that he found different airlines tend to pressurize the passenger cabins at different levels. And if he was having trouble with his ears he’d glance at his watch and every time found that the cabin was pressurized a bit less than normal.

I don't claim to be an expert, but I believe the difference in air pressure is a function of the airplane, not the airline. Typically, the cabin air pressure is set to 8,000 ft. So, you're body feels exactly as it would if you were standing on the top of an 8,000 foot mountain.

Source: https://aviation.stackexchange.com/...n-a-civil-aircraft-fuselage-at-flight-ceiling

Next generation aircraft like the Boeing 777X and Boeing 787 use a much lower cabin pressure of 6,000 feet. According to this article, most people won't be able to tell the difference between sea level and 6,000 feet. But, they can start to feel ill effects at 8,000 feet.

Boeing 787 article: http://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-787-dreamliner-777x-cabin-pressure-jetlag-2016-9

Currently, these next generation airplanes are usually only used on long-haul flights. Anyone flying to Orlando from anywhere in the United States is probably on a plane with cabin pressurization of 8,000 feet.

 

[bumbershoot]

Usually none of us have bad issues with our ears. This time, coming home, we had major ear issues. Does where you sit on the plane have any affect on that?

I wouldn't be surprised if you guys don't get this nasty cold in a couple days. If you get a headache that feels like your head is going to pop off, just take the week off. Because that and ear pain are how it starts.

I'm about 9 days in and finally not blowing my nose all the time. Nasty little cold.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, my dd just flew back to MCO with a raging ear infection...didn't want to, but had no choice. Her ear was pretty good when she boarded, and was sore when she got off. She said it wasn't nearly as painful as the day before (her meds hadn't kicked in yet!!). So, I'm guessing it's dependent on each particular plane, not where you sit or what airline you fly.

 

[KyleAfterAWhile]

I wouldn't be surprised if you guys don't get this nasty cold in a couple days. If you get a headache that feels like your head is going to pop off, just take the week off. Because that and ear pain are how it starts.

I'm about 9 days in and finally not blowing my nose all the time. Nasty little cold.

Yep, everybody ended up with a "cold" within a week of getting back. Chills, sinus congestion, drainage and a light cough. Lasted about 4 - 5 days per person.

 

[keishashadow]

Earplanes work well for those of with ongoing ear issues that typically would cause pain/clogging when flying.

Cheap, most drug stores @ airports sell them. They come in sizes, i find the child size work best for me.

Insert before plane takes off, remove when reaching cruising altitude. Repeat when landing.

 

[KayKayJS]

I have major ear issues with flying. Many times I've flown and my ear has been plugged for over a month after landing due to it. Nothing doctors can do (trust me, Ive been to specialists.) One of my ears (the problematic one) has a very tiny Eustachian tube which closes off easily with all the pressure changes.

What I have found to help is putting in earplanes before they close the cabin, and taking them off after we reach cruising altitude. Then put them in again before we descend and wait to take them out until after the cabin doors have been opened.

This has eliminated almost all of my issues. I love the damn things.

 

[mcjw2011]

I love the window seats, especially if it's on or next to the wing. It's my preferred spot for short trips.

 

[kamik86]

I noticed I have it more going to certain airports... I got it most on the flights between chicago midway and seattle.

 

[tikisunset77]

If you know you have problems with your ears when flying take 1 sudafed before getting on the plane
(they sell it in airports too)
I always fly with some just in case but especially if any of our group has had a cold or flu recently