Because they wring your ears @ 40k

And the Air Pressure Regulation Award - Domestic goes to…
Kingfisher Air.

As a perennial ENT patient, I have earned my right to give away this award.

My problem with air pressure fluctuations is not just during take-off and landing. It lasts all through the flight. A two hour flight becomes stressful and a five hour one is a potential killer. It starts with an annoying buzz in my ears and by the time we reach 40k feet, my ears go into labor. Any more bad flights (of which I’ve had quite a few) and I might just go deaf.

It’s not funny how I start hoarding lozenges before every take off. I ask for candies the moment I board and every time this typical conversation takes place:

“But, we will be offering the welcome kit and the breakfast soon after take off Ma’am.”
“Oh no, I want it for take off .”
A puzzled look, and then it dawns on her.
“I get ear aches, please.”
The knowing smile.
“Of course Ma’am. Gimme a sec”

And there I am... sitting with a pile of candies even before I can belt myself in the seat!

For your airborne ears only

If your sinuses act like mine, forget the life jacket – you won’t need that. Try this for basic survival:

• Chewing gum, candies and lozenges – I literally survive on these.
• Swallow often. Yawning helps too.
• It’s a good thing they offer tea on flights. Somehow sipping on hot tea works better if you don’t add milk.
• If it gets really bad, breathe in through your mouth, and then try to breathe out through your nose while holding your nose shut. Do this gently – too much force and you could damage your ear drums.
• Use a decongestant spray– But if you’re flying often, you wouldn’t want to take unnecessary medication every time.
• If you have serious ENT issues and can’t give up flying, talk to your doctor before booking tickets and the pilot after boarding. I don’t know what exactly the pilot does but you’ll be taken care of.
• Fill up the feedback form.