Pinch your nose and swallow. This often works better than Valsalva because swallowing naturally opens the tubes.
When in doubt, decongest before descent. Your eardrums will thank you. flying with blocked ears
A medicated nasal spray (like Afrin) used 30 minutes before takeoff and 30 minutes before landing can be a lifesaver. Note: Only use these for short durations to avoid "rebound" congestion. Pinch your nose and swallow
Before you reach for another decongestant or start poking your ear with a finger, let’s look at why this happens and the safest ways to clear the blockage. flying with blocked ears