How to prevent pain in ears while flying: 7 tips to avoid airplane ears

If you’ve ever felt that sharp, plugged or popping sensation during a flight, you know how uncomfortable airplane travel can be for your ears. The good news: learning how to prevent pain in ears while flying is simple and it can make a huge difference in how you feel when you land.

Maybe you’re even sitting on a plane right now, wondering if there’s anything you can do to stop the pain in your ears. Good news—the answer is yes.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler or flying with a baby for the first time, understanding why ear pain happens and what actually works to stop it can help you avoid unnecessary discomfort and even potential ear injury.

Let’s discuss what causes airplane ears, how to prevent pain in ears while flying and whether it’s safe to fly if you’re dealing with an ear infection.

What causes airplane ears?

Ear discomfort during flights, often called airplane ears, is incredibly common, especially during descent. Airplane ears occur when there’s a mismatch between the air pressure in your middle ear and the pressure in the airplane cabin. This condition, known medically as ear barotrauma, happens most often during takeoff and landing.

Your middle ear is connected to the back of your nose and throat by small passageways called Eustachian tubes. These tubes help regulate pressure. When they’re working properly, they open and close to equalize pressure on both sides of your eardrum.

During a flight, especially on descent, cabin pressure increases quickly. If your Eustachian tubes can’t adjust fast enough—due to congestion, inflammation or anatomy—your eardrum gets stretched inward or outward. That’s what causes the pain, fullness or temporary hearing changes associated with airplane ears.

You may be more likely to experience ear pain while flying if you:

• Have a cold, allergies or sinus congestion
• Are recovering from an ear infection
• Have narrow or sensitive Eustachian tubes

Pain in the ears while flying is also very common in babies and young children because their tubes are smaller and less efficient.

How to prevent pain in ears while flying

If you’re wondering how to prevent pain in ears while flying, the goal is simple: keep your Eustachian tubes open so pressure can equalize smoothly.

Try these simple strategies to protect your ears next time you fly.

Here are some ways you can do that:

1. Chew gum or suck candy

Chewing and sucking stimulate frequent swallowing, which helps open the Eustachian tubes. Start chewing gum during boarding and continue through descent.

2. Yawn and swallow

As you feel the pressure changing, yawning and swallowing can help. It sounds basic, but it works. Even “fake” yawns can help relieve pressure buildup.

3. Try the Valsalva Maneuver

Gently blow air against a closed airway:

• Pinch your nose.
• Close your mouth.
• Blow gently as if you’re trying to exhale through your nose (just enough to feel a “pop” in the ears).

This can help push air into the middle ear and equalize pressure. Avoid blowing too hard, which can irritate the ear.

4. Use the Frenzel Maneuver

This technique is a little more controlled:

• Pinch your nose.
• Place your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
• Create pressure by pushing the back of your tongue to the roof of the mouth for a more gentle “pop.”

The Frenzel Maneuver is especially helpful if the Valsalva maneuver doesn’t work for you.

5. Use decongestants

If congestion is an issue, a few medications can help keep your Eustachian tubes open:

• Oral decongestants with pseudoephedrine, taken 30–60 minutes before takeoff or landing
• Nasal sprays with oxymetazoline or phenylephrine, used shortly before descent
• Prescription corticosteroids in more severe or chronic cases

Keep in mind that decongestants aren’t right for everyone, especially if you have high blood pressure or certain medical conditions—so be sure and check with your doctor first.

6. Stay awake during descent

Sleeping through landing might sound appealing, but it prevents you from actively equalizing pressure. Try to stay awake so you can chew, swallow or use other pressure techniques.

7. Special tips for babies and kids

Because babies and small children are especially prone to airplane ears, parents often worry about ear pain while flying. Here’s how you can help during takeoff and landing:

• Feed your baby (breast or bottle).
• Offer a pacifier.
• Encourage older kids to drink, chew or yawn.

Can you fly with an ear infection?

A common question travelers ask is, "Can you fly with an ear infection? The short answer is yes—but it may be uncomfortable and, in some cases, not recommended.

Flying with an ear infection, sinus infection or significant congestion can make it much harder for your ears to equalize pressure. This increases your risk of:

• Severe pain
• Temporary hearing loss
• Worsening inflammation
• In rare cases, damage to the eardrum

If your symptoms are mild, using decongestants and pressure-relief techniques may help you get through the flight more comfortably.

However, you may want to delay travel if you have:

• Severe ear pain
• Fever
• Active drainage from the ear
• Significant hearing loss

If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before flying—especially for young children or if you have a history of ear issues.

Keeping your ears comfortable

Ear pain doesn’t have to be part of your travel experience. Once you understand how to prevent pain in ears while flying, you can take these simple, proactive steps to protect your ears and stay comfortable from takeoff to landing.

Worried about ear pain while flying? Speak to your primary care provider or find an ear, nose and throat specialist near you.