Ear Pain on a Flight: Babies, Colds and Popping Your Ears (Video)

2:30 min

Read the full written guide: Ear Pain on a Flight: Babies, Colds and Popping Your Ears →

Learn why your ears ache during take-off and landing and discover practical habits that work for babies, kids, and adults. We'll walk you through safe popping techniques and when to seek professional help. All tips are based on everyday experience, not medical advice. For the full guide, visit thecareonline.com.

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Transcript

Why does your ear pop on a flight?

Why does your ear pop on a flight?

Ear Pain on Flights

I'll show you how to keep ears comfy in the air and reveal the top trick at the end.

Why ears hurt

Each middle ear is a tiny air pocket behind the eardrum. A narrow tube to the nose opens when you swallow or yawn, letting pressure equalise. When the cabin pressure rises on descent, that tube can stay closed, and the ear feels full or painful.

Pain peaks

The worst moment is about thirty minutes before the plane touches down.

Age-specific prevention

For infants under six months, give a bottle or breast as the plane climbs and again when the captain announces descent. Older kids do well with gum, candy, or a pacifier. Grown-ups should stay awake and keep swallowing, yawning, or chewing as the plane lowers.

How to pop ears

Start with a normal swallow or yawn. If the ear stays blocked, try a gentle Valsalva: pinch your nostrils, close your mouth, and blow softly for a second or two. The Toynbee move, pinch the nose and swallow a sip of water, works even softer.

When to see doctor

If pain lasts more than two to three days, or you notice fluid, blood, or hearing loss, get a medical check-up.

Flying with a cold

A light, clear-nasal cold is usually fine, just swallow and blow your nose before descent. If the nose is heavily stuffed or you have a sinus infection, talk to a pharmacist about a decongestant spray. Existing ear infections or recent ear surgery merit a doctor’s go-ahead.

After-flight care

A blocked ear after landing often clears within a day as you resume normal swallowing and talking. If it feels like wax, follow a wax-removal guide. A warm (not hot) cloth over the outer ear can soothe lingering discomfort.

The one trick

The single most effective habit is to keep the tube open by swallowing, yawning, chewing, or feeding a baby right through the descent. That simple rhythm equalises pressure and stops the pain before it starts.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.

Nothing on The Care Online is medical advice. Traditional practices are described as tradition, not as fact. Take a persistent or serious concern to a qualified professional. See how videos and posts are made on our methodology page.