Few things can ruin the excitement of vacation faster than sharp ear pain during takeoff or landing. Whether you’re flying across the country for a beach getaway or traveling overseas, changes in air pressure can leave your ears feeling clogged, uncomfortable, or even painful. Fortunately, understanding why it happens—and knowing a few simple tricks—can make your next flight much more comfortable.
Why Do Your Ears Pop on Airplanes?
Inside your ear is a small passageway called the Eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. Its job is simple: keep the air pressure on both sides of your eardrum balanced.
When an airplane climbs or descends, cabin pressure changes quickly. Normally, your Eustachian tubes open naturally to equalize that pressure. But if they’re blocked, even slightly, you may experience:
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Popping sensations
- Muffled hearing
- Discomfort or pain
- A feeling that your ears won’t “clear”
This is known as airplane ear (ear barotrauma), and it’s especially common during landing.
Who Is Most Likely to Experience It?
Anyone can develop ear discomfort while flying, but your risk is higher if you’re traveling with:
- Seasonal allergies
- A cold or sinus infection
- Nasal congestion
- Chronic sinus problems
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Young children (whose Eustachian tubes are smaller and less developed)
If you’re already congested before boarding, your ears have a harder time adjusting to pressure changes.
Five Tips to Help Your Ears Pop Naturally
-
Swallow Frequently
Swallowing activates the muscles that help open your Eustachian tubes. Try:
- Sipping water
- Chewing gum
- Sucking on hard candy
These simple actions are especially helpful during takeoff and landing. The CDC Yellow Book recommends swallowing, chewing, or yawning during descent to help equalize ear pressure.
-
Try the Valsalva Maneuver
If your ears feel plugged:
- Pinch your nostrils closed.
- Close your mouth.
- Gently blow as though you’re blowing your nose.
You should feel your ears “pop.”
Note: Blow gently. Forcing too much pressure can actually injure the eardrum. The Mayo Clinic recommends performing the maneuver carefully to avoid injury.
-
Reduce Congestion Before You Fly
If you’re dealing with allergies or a stuffy nose:
- Use a saline nasal spray before boarding.
- Consider a nasal steroid spray if recommended by your healthcare provider (these work best when started a few days before travel).
- A short-term decongestant may help some adults, but it isn’t appropriate for everyone. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before use, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, or take certain medications.
Reducing nasal swelling can help your Eustachian tubes function more normally. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) offers additional information about allergy medications and nasal steroid sprays.
-
Consider Filtered Earplugs
Special pressure-regulating earplugs (often sold as “airplane earplugs”) slow the rate of pressure change reaching your eardrum. Many frequent travelers find they make takeoffs and landings noticeably more comfortable. Learn more about how the ear works from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
-
Stay Awake During Landing
Many people sleep through descent, which means they aren’t swallowing often enough to equalize pressure. If possible, stay awake during the last 30–45 minutes of your flight so you can actively help your ears adjust.
What About Children?
Babies and young children often have an even harder time equalizing ear pressure. During takeoff and landing, try encouraging them to:
- Drink from a bottle or sippy cup
- Breastfeed
- Use a pacifier
- Chew age-appropriate snacks (for older children)
These motions help open the Eustachian tubes naturally. Parents can find additional recommendations in the CDC Yellow Book: Traveling Safely with Children.
When Should You See an ENT?
Most airplane-related ear pressure goes away within a few hours. However, if symptoms last longer than a day or two, or if you experience significant pain, you should schedule an evaluation with us.
See an ENT if you have:
- Ear pressure lasting more than 48 hours after flying
- Hearing loss that doesn’t improve
- Severe ear pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Bloody or fluid drainage from the ear
- Frequent problems every time you fly
Persistent symptoms may indicate Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid behind the eardrum, or another condition that may benefit from specialized treatment.
Enjoy the Journey—Comfortably
Don’t let ear pain become part of your travel plans. A little preparation before your flight can help your ears adjust more comfortably so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your destination.
If flying always leaves you with lingering ear pressure or discomfort, our ENT specialists are here to help. We’ll identify the cause, recommend treatment options, and help you travel with confidence.
