I have serious ear congestion right now and am taking an international flight tomorrow. is it safe to fly, and is there an prescription a doctor could prescribe?

Decongestant: An otc decongestant like sudafed should help open eustachian tubes to provide relief; the mechanical action of chewing gum also helps. Caution with decongestants if you have high blood pressure, as they can increase it.

See ENT: "serious ear congestion" can make flying in pleasant. You ENT should have a flight regimen that includes otc and prescriptions that can be helpful.