I wore foam plugs one way, and had no ear discomfort or stuffy feeling afterwards at all. Coming home I forgot the plugs, and was deaf for half the evening when I got home. I really wished I had taken my SPL with me, maybe next time, but unlikely. Pre 9/11, the last time I flew, they never batted an eye at all the "hardware" in my carry-on bag, voltmeter, wire leads, a kitchen digital clock timer, leatherman tool, black boxes. No way I'm putting up with "sock inspections" and all the new hassles, this guy will walk there first...Sam