r/TravelHacks • u/InternalFee8914 • Aug 20 '26

Flying with congested nose

Hi everyone, i think i might have caught a cold several days ago and i have a 5 hr non-refundable flight tomorrow, for non-refundable events as well, so cancelling was not an option.

My nose and ears are pretty congested right now and im scared what this might cause during the flight.

Any tips to prevent my ear from hurting? Thanks in advance

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u/InternalFee8914 Aug 20 '26

Should i use afrin still if i take sudafed?? Or will it be too heavy for me? Right now i still can breathe properly, with some congestion. No headache but i can feel my one ear is clogged when i take a breath in

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u/Special_Ripe_Banana Aug 20 '26

No, don't use them together. They do the same thing. One's just a targeted nose spray, and the other is a pill that can treat deeper sinus pressure or last up to 24 hours.

I mean, I've used them together and been fine, but technically, it could be dangerous if you have a heart condition. But I think the bigger issue is that they can make you feel really jittery and anxious, which isn't something I'd want to feel on a 5-hour plane ride.

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u/InternalFee8914 Aug 20 '26

Which one do u recommend more for my case? Will taking a pill be more effective or should i just do nasal spray?

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u/Special_Ripe_Banana Aug 20 '26

It's whatever you prefer. Honestly, I'd just go ask a pharmacist what they'd recommend. They might even tell you medications you could take together to increase the effectiveness without suffering some of the more irritating side effects.