Ever been on a plane, looking out your window seat, when your ears begin to hurt? Perhaps you swallow, yawn, or try to pop them, but nothing seems to work. The pressure increases as the plane starts to descend, and what should be an exciting journey turns into an uncomfortable experience.
If this sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone.
Ear pain on plane journeys is a common problem. It may occur during take-off, landing or even after disembarking the aircraft. But if you already have a cold, a blocked nose or sinus congestion, the pain can be even more intense.
The good news? There are a few easy ways to ease the pressure, save your ears, and make your next flight more comfortable.
From your first holiday to work trips to wondering if it’s safe to fly with a cold, this guide will help you understand what’s going on in your ears and what you can do about it.
Why Does Ear Pain Happen on a Plane?
Let’s begin with something easy.
Have you ever noticed how your ears sometimes pop when you’re driving up a mountain or travelling in a lift? This is your ears reacting to the air pressure.
It’s the same when you’re flying, but the pressure changes may be more noticeable.
There is a small tube in your ear called the Eustachian tube. It is a tube that links your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. It is responsible for equalizing the air pressure on either side of your eardrum.
The air pressure inside an aircraft changes when the plane goes up and down. Your Eustachian tubes need to adjust to these changes.
If they can’t do this fast enough, pressure accumulates behind your eardrum.
That’s when you might experience:
- Pain or discomfort in one or both ears.
- A feeling of fullness or pressure.
- Muffled hearing, as though you’re underwater.
- Popping, clicking, or crackling sounds.
- Occasionally, dizziness or ringing in the ears.
This condition is commonly known as aeroplane ear, or airplane ear. Its medical name is ear barotrauma.
The NHS states that the eardrum can sometimes be damaged by sudden changes in air pressure, such as when flying.
Why Do Your Ears Hurt More During Landing?
If you have ever had ear pain on an airplane, you may have noticed something interesting: the pain tends to get worse as the plane begins to descend.
Why does that happen?
As the aircraft descends, the air pressure in the cabin increases. Your middle ear needs to adjust to match the surrounding pressure.
Your Eustachian tubes are responsible for equalising the pressure difference, but sometimes they don’t open fast enough.
The result? Your eardrum gets pulled inwards, creating that uncomfortable feeling of pressure, fullness, or pain.
That’s why you may suddenly feel the urge to swallow, yawn, or chew something during landing.
A little tip: Do not wait until your ears begin to hurt. Begin to swallow, yawn, or chew gum when the plane begins to descend. Taking the initiative can make all the difference.
Why Is It Harder to Pop Your Ears During Landing?
Interesting fact: Your ears don’t always adjust to pressure changes in both directions.
The pressure in your middle ear may be greater than the pressure in the aircraft cabin during take-off. This enables air to pass through the Eustachian tubes fairly easily.
However, the opposite occurs during landing. The pressure inside the aircraft increases, but the pressure in your middle ear may not.
This causes a pressure imbalance that can cause your eardrum to be sucked inwards.
Your Eustachian tubes now have to work harder to allow air to enter the middle ear, which is why you may find it difficult to “pop” your ears when descending.
That’s also why it’s a good idea to begin swallowing and yawning before you land.
Remember: Don’t wait until your ears start hurting. With a little preparation, the descent can be made much more comfortable.
Why Does Flying with a Cold Make Ear Pain Worse?
Imagine this.
You’ve made your holiday plans, packed your bags and are now ready to get away for a few days. Unfortunately, there’s one unexpected guest joining you: a cold.
You have a stuffy nose, an itchy throat, and your ears are already a little plugged up.
Now imagine getting onto a plane.
Not the most relaxing start to a holiday, is it?
When you have a cold, the tissues around your nose and Eustachian tubes can become swollen. Mucus can also accumulate, which can cause your ears to have difficulty equalizing pressure.
This means that flying with a cold ears can be particularly uncomfortable, especially during take-off and landing.
You may experience:
- Increased ear pressure.
- More noticeable pain during descent.
- Difficulty popping your ears.
- Muffled hearing after landing.
- Pressure around your ears, nose, and sinuses.
Allergies, sinus infections, and other conditions that cause nasal congestion can create similar problems.
Is It Safe to Fly with a Cold?
A mild cold does not necessarily mean you are not allowed to fly. But it’s important to consider your emotions before you travel.
If you are very congested, experience a lot of ear pain, an ear infection, or worsening symptoms, consult a health care provider before you travel.
Sometimes, it’s better to delay your flight, as it can be safer and more comfortable.
Remember, your holiday should start with excitement, not unnecessary discomfort.
Who Is More Likely to Experience Aeroplane Ear?
Ear pressure can happen to anyone during a flight, but some people are more likely to have problems with it.
You may be more prone to aeroplane ear if you:
- Have a cold, flu or sinus infection.
- Experience seasonal allergies or hay fever.
- Have a blocked nose or nasal congestion.
- Have an existing Eustachian tube problem.
- Have a history of ear infections.
- Are travelling with young children or babies.
This does not mean that you will always have painful ears when you fly.
If you are already congested or have a history of ear issues, however, it is especially important to prepare before your trip.
If you frequently suffer from ear pain during flights, you may want to consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
How to Stop Ears Hurting on a Plane: 7 Simple Tips
Now for the part you’ve probably been waiting for.
When you’re wondering how to stop ears hurting on a plane, there are a few simple tricks that can help your Eustachian tubes cope with the changing air pressure.
Here are seven practical things to try.
1. Keep Swallowing During Take-Off and Landing
Swallowing is one of the easiest ways to help balance pressure inside your ears.
Every time you swallow, the muscles around your Eustachian tubes move, helping them open briefly.
You don’t need anything complicated. Simply:
- Take small sips of water.
- Swallow regularly.
- Avoid waiting until the pain becomes uncomfortable.
Try to be particularly consistent during the aircraft’s descent.
2. Chew Gum or Suck a Sweet
This is one of the simplest tricks to remember.
Chewing gum encourages regular swallowing, which can help your ears adjust to changing pressure.
A sugar-free sweet or lozenge can work similarly.
Keep a small packet in your hand luggage. It is an inexpensive addition to your travel routine and can be particularly useful during landing.
3. Try the Gentle Valsalva Manoeuvre
If swallowing and yawning aren’t helping, you can try a technique called the Valsalva manoeuvre.
Here’s how:
- Take a gentle breath.
- Close your mouth.
- Pinch your nostrils shut.
- Gently try to breathe out through your nose.
- Stop as soon as you feel your ears begin to pop.
The important word here is gently.
Never blow forcefully or continue if it causes pain. If the manoeuvre feels uncomfortable, stop and try swallowing or yawning instead.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking water throughout your flight is a good habit, particularly if you’re already feeling unwell.
Keep a bottle of water nearby and take regular sips.
It also gives you another opportunity to swallow naturally, which may help your ears adjust.
5. Consider Pressure-Regulating Earplugs
Some specially designed flight earplugs contain filters intended to slow the rate at which air pressure changes around the ear.
They may help some passengers feel more comfortable during take-off and landing.
However, they aren’t a guaranteed solution, and they don’t replace swallowing, yawning, or other pressure-equalising techniques.
6. Ask a Pharmacist About Nasal Congestion
If you’re flying with a blocked nose, it may be worth speaking to a pharmacist before travelling.
They can advise whether a suitable nasal treatment might help with your congestion.
Some decongestants are not appropriate for everyone, and certain nasal sprays should only be used for short periods.
Don’t assume that taking medication will make flying safe if you have severe symptoms.
7. Stay Awake During Descent
Here’s a small but useful travel tip: try not to fall asleep during the final part of your flight.
When you’re awake, you’re more likely to swallow, yawn, drink water, or notice pressure building up.
If you sleep through the descent, you may miss the opportunity to manage the pressure before discomfort becomes more noticeable.
What Should You Avoid When Your Ears Hurt on a Plane?
If your ears are blocked, you may be tempted to do anything to get them to pop.
However, there are some strategies that can exacerbate the situation.
Here are some things to steer clear of:
- Don’t blow your nose forcefully: Excessive pressure may worsen discomfort.
- Don’t force your ears to pop: If a pressure-equalising manoeuvre causes pain, stop.
- Don’t insert cotton buds into your ears: They won’t relieve middle-ear pressure and may cause injury.
- Don’t ignore severe pain: Significant or worsening discomfort deserves medical attention.
- Don’t assume decongestants are suitable for everyone: Consult a pharmacist before using, especially if you have other health issues or are taking other medication.
The aim is to allow your ears to equalise naturally and gently, not to push them to do something they are having difficulty with.
What to Do If You Have Blocked Ears After Flying
You’ve landed, collected your luggage, and are ready to start your holiday.
But there’s one problem.
Your ears still feel blocked.
Sounds seem distant, your hearing feels muffled, and you keep trying to pop your ears without much success.
If you’re experiencing blocked ears after flying, don’t panic immediately.
Mild pressure-related symptoms often settle as your ears gradually return to normal.
Here are a few things you can try:
- Swallow or yawn regularly.
- Drink water throughout the day.
- Chew gum if it helps you swallow more frequently.
- Try the gentle Valsalva manoeuvre, provided it doesn’t cause pain.
- Give your ears time to recover.
Avoid putting cotton buds, fingers, or other objects inside your ears.
How Long Do Blocked Ears Last After Flying?
It depends on the cause and severity.
For some people, the pressure disappears shortly after landing. Others may experience muffled hearing or a blocked sensation for longer.
However, persistent symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.
If you develop sudden hearing loss, significant pain, dizziness, or fluid coming from your ear, seek urgent medical advice.
The NHS provides further guidance on earache and when to seek medical help.
Can Children Get Ear Pain on a Plane?
Absolutely.
In fact, children can find changes in cabin pressure particularly uncomfortable, especially if they’re too young to understand why their ears hurt.
You might notice your child becoming restless, crying, rubbing their ears, or becoming upset during landing.
As a parent, it can be hard to watch, especially when there’s not much you can do to make the discomfort go away right away.
Fortunately, there are a few simple preparations that can help.
For babies:
- Breastfeed or offer a bottle during take-off and landing, where practical.
- Encourage swallowing through feeding.
- Try to keep your baby comfortable and settled.
For older children:
- Offer water regularly.
- Give them a suitable sweet or chewing gum if age-appropriate.
- Encourage yawning and swallowing.
- Explain that their ears might pop during the flight.
Do not give sweets or chewing gum to young children who are not able to handle them safely.
If your child has an ear infection or ear pain, consult a health care provider before travelling.
When Should You Worry About Ear Pain After Flying?
Most pressure-related ear discomfort improves without medical treatment.
But, at times, ear pain may be a sign of something more serious, like a ruptured eardrum.
Not all blocked ear sensations are harmless, so it’s important to recognise the warning signs.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss.
- Severe or worsening ear pain.
- Blood or fluid coming from your ear.
- Significant dizziness or vertigo.
- Persistent ringing accompanied by a change in hearing.
- Symptoms that don’t improve or keep returning.
Sometimes a perforated eardrum can result from a sudden change in air pressure.
You can read the NHS guidance on perforated eardrums to understand the symptoms and when to seek help.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are related to flying or an ear infection, don’t try to diagnose yourself.
How to Prepare Your Ears Before Your Next Flight
A comfortable flight often starts before you even arrive at the airport.
If you’ve experienced ear pain on plane journeys before, a little preparation can help you feel more confident about travelling again.
Here’s a simple pre-flight checklist:
- Check whether you have a cold, blocked nose, or ear infection.
- Speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional if you’re concerned about congestion.
- Pack chewing gum or suitable sweets.
- Keep drinking water.
- Consider pressure-regulating earplugs if you’ve found them helpful before.
- Avoid sleeping during descent.
- Start swallowing and yawning before your ears begin to hurt.
And don’t forget your other travel essentials.
From your travel documents and medication to your headphones and personal comfort items, having everything organised can make your journey much less stressful.
Take a look at our flight essentials guide to help you prepare for a more comfortable journey.
Your Pre-Flight Ear Care Checklist
A little preparation can make a big difference, especially if you’ve experienced uncomfortable ear pressure on previous flights.
Before you set out on your next trip, go through this quick checklist:
- Check whether you have a cold, blocked nose or ear infection.
- Speak to a pharmacist if you have significant congestion.
- Pack chewing gum or suitable sweets.
- Keep drinking water during the flight.
- Pack any recommended medication in your hand luggage.
- Consider pressure-regulating earplugs if appropriate.
- Start swallowing and yawning during descent.
- Avoid sleeping during landing.
Keep this checklist or take a screen shot of it for future flights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Pain on Planes
1. Why do my ears hurt on a plane but not when driving?
Aircraft experience much greater changes in cabin pressure than you typically encounter during everyday driving. Your Eustachian tubes may struggle to equalise the pressure quickly enough, causing discomfort.
2. Is aeroplane ear dangerous?
Usually, aeroplane ear causes temporary discomfort and resolves on its own. However, severe pressure changes can occasionally damage the eardrum. Seek medical advice if you experience sudden hearing loss, severe pain, dizziness, or discharge.
3. How can I pop my ears on a plane?
Try swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, or drinking water. If these don’t help, you can try the gentle Valsalva manoeuvre by pinching your nose, closing your mouth, and gently breathing out. Never force it.
4. Why are my ears still blocked days after flying?
Your Eustachian tubes may still be struggling to equalise pressure, particularly if you had a cold or nasal congestion before travelling. If symptoms persist, worsen, or affect your hearing, consult a healthcare professional.
5. Should I fly if I have a blocked nose?
A mildly blocked nose doesn’t automatically prevent you from flying. However, severe congestion, an ear infection, or significant ear pain may make flying uncomfortable and potentially increase the risk of pressure-related injury. Seek medical advice before travelling if you’re concerned.
6. Does chewing gum really help with ear pain on a plane?
It can. Chewing gum encourages swallowing, which helps the Eustachian tubes open and may help equalise pressure in the middle ear.
7. Is ear pain worse during take-off or landing?
Many passengers experience more noticeable ear pain during descent and landing because the pressure in the middle ear needs to adjust as cabin pressure increases. However, discomfort can occur during take-off too.
8. Can I fly after an ear infection?
Flying with an active ear infection or significant ear pain can be uncomfortable and may increase the risk of pressure-related complications. Speak to your healthcare professional before travelling, particularly if you still have pain, fever, discharge or hearing changes.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Ear Pain Ruin Your Journey
Flying should be about the excitement of discovering somewhere new, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying a well-deserved break.
It shouldn’t be about counting down the minutes until your ears stop hurting.
Although ear pain on plane journeys can be uncomfortable, understanding why it happens makes it much easier to prepare for it.
Remember the basics: swallow regularly, chew gum, stay hydrated, try gentle pressure-equalising techniques, and take extra care if you’re travelling with a cold.
Most importantly, listen to your body. If the pain is severe or your hearing changes, don’t ignore it.
A little preparation before your next flight can make a big difference.
Here’s to happier ears, more comfortable flights, and journeys worth remembering!
