Ear pain comes from the pressure change on descent, when the tube that equalizes your middle ear can't keep up. Swallow, yawn, chew gum, or gently blow against a pinched nose. Pressure-regulating earplugs and a decongestant help, and stay awake for landing so you can equalize.
The pain — ‘airplane ear’ — happens because cabin pressure rises on descent faster than your Eustachian tube can equalize the pressure behind the eardrum. It’s usually harmless but genuinely uncomfortable, and worse with a cold.
How to prevent and relieve it:
- Swallow, yawn or chew gum repeatedly during descent.
- Do the Valsalva maneuver: pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow until your ears pop. Gently.
- Stay awake for descent — you can’t equalize while asleep, so ask to be woken.
- Use pressure-regulating earplugs (EarPlanes and similar), which slow the pressure change.
- If you’re congested, a decongestant an hour before landing or a nasal spray can open the tube.
For babies: feed or give a pacifier during descent so they swallow.
See a doctor if: pain, muffled hearing or dizziness last more than a few hours after landing.
Related questions
How do I survive a long-haul flight?
Choose your seat deliberately, dress in layers, drink water and skip alcohol, walk every two hours, download entertainment in advance, bring your own snacks, and plan sleep around the destination's clock. Compression socks help on flights over eight hours. Full answer →
How do I fly with a baby or toddler?
Under-2s can fly on your lap (often free domestically, ~10% of the fare internationally) or in their own seat with a car seat. Request a bassinet on long-haul, board early, feed during takeoff and landing for ear pressure, and pack twice the nappies you think you need in the cabin. Full answer →
Airline, airport and government rules change without notice. Treat this as a starting point and confirm with the airline or authority for your specific trip. Request a correction if something is out of date.