Ear pain on flights (“aeroplane ear”) happens when cabin pressure changes faster than your ears can equalise, usually on descent. It is common and almost always harmless. To prevent it, keep swallowing, yawning, chewing gum or sucking a sweet as the plane comes down, and stay awake for landing. If you fly with a cold, take extra care and consider equalising earplugs.
Updated June 2026 · HappyFares
That sharp, blocked feeling in your ears as the plane drops towards the runway is one of the most common flight complaints. The good news: it is usually nothing serious, and a few simple habits stop it for most people. This guide explains why it happens, what to do about it, and the warning signs that mean you should see a doctor.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a recurring ear problem, an ear infection, or you are unsure whether a medicine is right for you, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before you fly.
Why your ears hurt on a plane
Aeroplane ear, known medically as ear barotrauma, is caused by a pressure difference between the air inside your middle ear and the air in the cabin. According to Mayo Clinic, the discomfort happens when the cabin pressure changes faster than your ear can adjust to it.
Inside your ear is a narrow channel called the Eustachian tube. It connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. Its job is to let air in and out so the pressure on both sides of your eardrum stays equal.
When the plane climbs or descends, cabin pressure shifts quickly. Normally the Eustachian tube opens each time you swallow and lets the pressure balance. The trouble starts when that tube is slow or blocked.
Descent is usually the worst part. On the way down, higher pressure pushes against your eardrum from the outside, and the tube has to actively open to let air back in. NHS notes that a cold, sinus infection, allergies or congestion can block the tube and make the problem worse. That is why a flight that is fine when you are well can be painful when you are bunged up.
The result is a blocked or painful ear, muffled hearing, and sometimes a feeling of fullness that lingers. For most healthy travellers it clears within minutes of landing.
How to prevent and relieve ear pain
The fix is to keep your Eustachian tube opening so pressure can equalise. Mayo Clinic recommends simple swallowing and yawning techniques during take-off and descent, the two times pressure changes most. Here is what works, in the order most people find easiest.
- Swallow and yawn often. Each swallow flicks the tube open. Yawning is even more effective because it uses the muscles that pull the tube wide.
- Chew gum or suck a boiled sweet. This keeps you swallowing without thinking about it. Start as the plane begins its descent, not after your ears already hurt.
- Stay awake during descent. If you sleep through landing, you stop swallowing and the pressure builds. Ask the crew or set an alarm so you are awake for the final descent.
- Try the Valsalva manoeuvre. Pinch your nose shut, close your mouth, and blow gently as if blowing your nose. You should feel your ears “pop”. Blow softly, never forcefully, as too much force can harm the ear.
- Use filtered equalising earplugs. Products such as EarPlanes slow the rate of pressure change with a small filter. They are widely sold and useful for people whose ears suffer every flight.
- Drink water and stay hydrated. Dry cabin air thickens mucus and makes the tube sluggish. Sipping water helps keep things moving.
What about a decongestant or nasal spray? A decongestant tablet or a saline or medicated nasal spray taken roughly 30 to 60 minutes before descent can help some people by reducing congestion. But these are not suitable for everyone, including some people with heart or blood-pressure conditions. Only use one if a doctor or pharmacist confirms it is right for you, and never guess at a dose.
Flying with babies and toddlers
Babies cannot pop their own ears on purpose, and the pressure change is just as uncomfortable for them. The trick is swallowing. Mayo Clinic advises feeding an infant or offering a pacifier during descent, because sucking and swallowing equalises the pressure naturally.
Feed from the breast or bottle, or give a dummy, as the plane comes down rather than at the start of the flight. For toddlers, a drink through a straw or a chewy snack does the same job. Try to keep them awake for landing, just as you would yourself.
Flying with a cold, sinus or ear infection
A cold or blocked sinuses make barotrauma both more likely and more painful, because the Eustachian tube is already congested. If your cold is mild, the prevention steps above usually carry you through. A pharmacist may suggest a decongestant to take before the flight, so ask before you travel.
If you have a heavy head cold, a sinus infection, or an active ear infection, consider postponing your flight if you can, especially for the descent-heavy short-haul routes. If postponing is not an option, equalising earplugs and a pharmacist-approved decongestant are your best tools.
When to see a doctor
Most aeroplane ear settles by itself soon after landing, but some symptoms warrant medical attention. NHS advises seeing a doctor if ear pain or muffled hearing does not clear within a few hours, as persistent barotrauma sometimes needs treatment.
See a doctor if you notice any of these after a flight:
- Severe ear pain that does not ease after landing.
- Pain or hearing loss that lasts more than a few hours, or into the next day.
- Dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo).
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus) that does not go away.
- Any fluid, blood or discharge from the ear.
These can be signs of more significant barotrauma or, rarely, a perforated eardrum, both of which a doctor should assess. Do not wait it out for days hoping it clears on its own.
If you fly often and your ears always suffer
Frequent flyers with sensitive ears benefit from a routine: equalising earplugs in your hand luggage, gum for every descent, and a chat with your doctor about whether a regular nasal spray suits you. Treating mild allergies or congestion before you fly often makes a noticeable difference.
If you have an upcoming flight and a cold right now
Do not panic. Pack gum and equalising earplugs, stay well hydrated, and ask a pharmacist whether a decongestant is appropriate for you before you leave for the airport. Keep yourself awake for descent and use the Valsalva manoeuvre gently if your ears block. If the cold is severe and you can move the trip, that is the kindest option for your ears.
Common Questions
Why do my ears hurt more when landing than taking off?
On descent, rising cabin pressure presses against your eardrum from the outside, and your Eustachian tube has to work harder to let air back in. On the way up, air escapes more easily. That is why Mayo Clinic describes descent as the toughest phase for most people.
Is the Valsalva manoeuvre safe?
Yes, when done gently. Pinch your nose, close your mouth and blow softly until your ears pop. The key word is gently. Blowing too hard can put excess pressure on delicate ear structures, so ease into it and stop if it hurts.
Should I take a decongestant before flying?
Maybe, but only with professional advice. A decongestant can reduce congestion and help your ears equalise, yet it is not suitable for everyone, including some people with heart or blood-pressure conditions. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using one, and never guess at a dose.
Can flying with a cold damage my ears?
Flying with a cold makes painful barotrauma more likely because the Eustachian tube is congested. Serious damage is uncommon, but if you get severe pain, lasting hearing loss or any discharge, see a doctor. If your cold is severe and the trip can wait, postponing protects your ears.
Do special earplugs really work?
Filtered equalising earplugs such as EarPlanes slow how fast the pressure changes, which gives your ears time to keep up. They will not cure a blocked tube, but many frequent flyers with sensitive ears find them genuinely helpful, especially on descent.
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Search Flights on HappyFares →For more on staying comfortable in the air, see our guides on cabin pressure and altitude on flights, flying during pregnancy, and beating jet lag. First time in the air? Start with our first-time flyer guide.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. For any personal medical concern — including medication, existing conditions, pregnancy, or recurring symptoms — consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before you fly. Compare and book flights on HappyFares.
