How to Reduce Ear Pain and Pressure During Takeoff and Landing (September 2026)

If you have ever felt that sharp, building pressure in your ears as the plane descends, you are not alone. Learning how to reduce ear pain and pressure during takeoff and landing can make flying far more comfortable, and for some people, it can even prevent real injury. The discomfort you feel is a common condition called airplane ear, and the good news is that simple techniques can prevent or relieve it in almost every case.

In this guide, I will walk you through exactly what causes that ear pain, seven proven methods to equalize the pressure, medication options, tips for babies and children, and what to do if pain lingers after you land. Everything here is based on medical guidance from sources like the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, plus real-world experience from frequent flyers and aviation professionals.

What Is Airplane Ear?

Airplane ear, medically known as ear barotrauma or barotitis media, is pain or discomfort caused by pressure changes that affect your middle ear during airplane ascent or descent. The condition happens when the air pressure inside your middle ear does not match the air pressure in the cabin around you, and that pressure difference pushes against your eardrum.

Your middle ear is a small, air-filled chamber behind the eardrum. It connects to the back of your throat through two narrow passages called the Eustachian tubes. These tubes are about one and a half inches long, and their job is to constantly equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside world.

Here is where the problem starts. Under normal conditions, the Eustachian tubes open and close on their own when you swallow or yawn, keeping pressure balanced. But when a plane climbs or descends, cabin pressure changes quickly. If the Eustachian tubes are even slightly narrowed from a cold, allergies, or congestion, they cannot keep up with the rapid pressure shift.

During takeoff, the cabin pressure drops as the plane climbs. The higher-pressure air trapped in your middle ear pushes outward against the eardrum. During landing, the reverse happens. Cabin pressure rises rapidly, and the lower-pressure air in your middle ear pulls the eardrum inward. That inward pull during descent is what causes the sharpest, most intense pain for most people.

While airplane ear is usually temporary and harmless, severe cases can lead to fluid accumulation, hearing loss, vertigo, or even a ruptured eardrum. Knowing how to manage pressure changes is not just about comfort. It is about protecting your ears from lasting damage.

How to Reduce Ear Pain and Pressure During Takeoff and Landing: 7 Proven Techniques

The key to preventing airplane ear is keeping your Eustachian tubes open and actively equalizing pressure throughout the flight, especially during the first and last 30 to 40 minutes. Here are seven methods that work, ranked roughly from simplest to most powerful.

1. Swallow Frequently and Yawn Deeply

Swallowing and yawning are your first line of defense because they naturally activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes. Every time you swallow, the tubes briefly pop open and allow a small amount of air to flow in or out, bringing the pressure back into balance.

The simplest approach is to sip water continuously during ascent and descent. Yawning is even more effective than swallowing because it opens the tubes wider and for longer. If you struggle to yawn on command, try faking one. Open your mouth wide, stretch your jaw, and take a deep breath. After a few attempts, a real yawn usually follows.

Frequent flyers on travel forums consistently say this alone handles mild pressure changes. But if you have congestion or a narrow Eustachian tube, swallowing may not be enough, and you will need stronger techniques.

2. Chew Gum or Suck on Hard Candy

Chewing gum and sucking on hard candy work because they force you to swallow repeatedly over an extended period. This keeps the Eustachian tubes opening and closing steadily, which helps them keep pace with gradual pressure changes.

Start chewing or sucking before the plane begins its descent, not after the pain hits. Most people feel discomfort too late because descent begins gradually, often 30 to 45 minutes before landing. By the time pain is noticeable, the pressure gap has already built up significantly.

One important note from forum discussions: chewing gum alone is often not enough for severe cases. If you have a cold or allergies, pair this technique with one of the maneuvers below for better results.

3. The Valsalva Maneuver (Step by Step)

The Valsalva maneuver is the most well-known pressure equalization technique, and it is what pilots and frequent travelers rely on when simpler methods fail. Done correctly, it forces air through the Eustachian tubes and instantly relieves the pressure gap. Done incorrectly, it can push mucus into the middle ear or even damage the eardrum.

Here is the correct way to perform the Valsalva maneuver:

Step 1: Pinch your nostrils shut with your thumb and index finger.

Step 2: Keep your mouth firmly closed.

Step 3: Gently blow out through your nose as if you are trying to blow your fingers off.

Step 4: Stop the moment you feel or hear a pop in your ears.

The word gently is critical here. You should use the same amount of effort it takes to blow your nose normally. Never blow hard. If nothing happens after a soft attempt, stop, swallow a few times, and try again after a minute. Forcing it with too much pressure can cause a ruptured eardrum.

Many people make the mistake of blowing too hard because they expect immediate results. If the Eustachian tube is swollen shut from congestion, no amount of force will open it, and pushing harder only risks injury. Combine the Valsalva maneuver with a decongestant if congestion is the problem.

4. The Frenzel Maneuver (Gentler Alternative)

The Frenzel maneuver is a refined technique that many travelers find easier and safer than the Valsalva. Instead of forcing air with your lungs, you use your throat muscles to compress air into the Eustachian tubes. This gives you far more control over the pressure and reduces the risk of overdoing it.

Here is how to perform the Frenzel maneuver:

Step 1: Pinch your nostrils shut and close your mouth.

Step 2: Place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth.

Step 3: Make a short, sharp “K” or “click” sound with the back of your tongue while keeping your airway closed.

Step 4: You should feel a gentle pop as the Eustachian tubes open.

The Frenzel maneuver takes a little practice to master, but once you get it, you can repeat it dozens of times during descent with very little effort. Divers and pilots favor this technique because it is precise and repeatable. Try practicing it on the ground before your next flight so the motion feels natural when you need it.

5. The Toynbee Maneuver

The Toynbee maneuver is another alternative that works well for people who find breathing exercises difficult. It is simple and low-risk.

Pinch your nostrils shut and swallow. That is the entire technique. Swallowing with your nose blocked creates a slight pressure shift that can help open the Eustachian tubes. It is less forceful than the Valsalva maneuver, which makes it a good choice for people with sensitive ears or mild congestion.

You can alternate between the Toynbee and Valsalva maneuvers during descent. Some people find that switching between the two is more effective than repeating either one alone.

6. Use Filtered Earplugs

Specialized earplugs designed for flying, such as EarPlanes, contain a small ceramic filter that slows down the rate of pressure change entering your ear. This gives your Eustachian tubes more time to adjust naturally, which can dramatically reduce discomfort.

Insert the earplugs before takeoff and keep them in until the plane reaches cruising altitude. Remove them during the flight, then reinsert them about an hour before landing, before the descent begins. These earplugs are not a replacement for the techniques above, but they work well in combination with swallowing and yawning.

Frequent travelers with a history of severe airplane ear swear by filtered earplugs. They are inexpensive, reusable, and available at most pharmacies and airport shops.

7. Stay Awake During Descent

This tip sounds simple, but it makes a real difference. When you sleep, you swallow far less often, and your Eustachian tubes stay closed for long stretches. That means pressure builds up without relief during the most critical phase of the flight.

If you tend to fall asleep during flights, set an alarm or ask a travel companion to wake you before the plane begins its descent. Most airlines announce the descent about 30 to 45 minutes before landing, which gives you time to start your prevention routine.

Staying awake during descent is the single most common piece of advice from frequent flyers on travel forums. Combine it with chewing gum, swallowing, and the Valsalva maneuver for maximum protection.

Medications and Decongestants for Flying

For people prone to severe ear pain, over-the-counter medications can make a significant difference. The two most effective options are oral decongestants and nasal sprays, and they work in different ways.

Oral Decongestants

Oral decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, commonly sold under the brand name Sudafed, reduce swelling in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. Take one 30 to 60 minutes before takeoff or landing, which gives the medication time to work before the pressure changes begin. This timing is critical because the decongestant needs to shrink the tissue in advance, not after the pain has already started.

Avoid pseudoephedrine if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or glaucoma unless your doctor approves. Always check with a healthcare provider before combining it with other medications.

Nasal Sprays

Nasal decongestant sprays containing oxymetazoline, sold as Afrin, work directly on the nasal lining and Eustachian tube openings. They act faster than oral decongestants and target the exact area where swelling causes problems. Use one or two sprays in each nostril about 30 minutes before takeoff or descent.

One important warning: do not use nasal decongestant sprays for more than three consecutive days. Repeated use causes rebound congestion, which means your nasal passages become dependent on the spray and swell shut without it. For a single flight, this is not a concern, but if you fly frequently, talk to your doctor about alternatives.

Many frequent flyers combine an oral decongestant with a nasal spray for maximum effect during difficult flights. This double approach is especially helpful when flying with a cold or allergies.

Tips for Babies and Children

Children experience airplane ear more severely than adults because their Eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal, making it harder for air to pass through. Babies cannot tell you when they feel pressure, so the first sign is often crying during descent.

The most effective technique for babies and toddlers is swallowing during descent. For infants, breastfeed or give a bottle during the plane’s descent. If your baby uses a pacifier, that also works because the sucking motion activates the swallowing reflex. For toddlers and older children, offer a drink with a straw, a lollipop, or a snack they need to chew.

Do not let your child sleep during descent. This is the same principle as for adults. When a child sleeps, they swallow less, and pressure builds without relief. Wake them gently when the descent begins and keep them drinking or swallowing until the plane lands.

Children with ear tubes generally do not experience airplane ear because the tubes provide a permanent pressure-relief channel. If your child has recently had ear tube surgery, check with their pediatrician about flying, but in most cases, ear tubes actually make flying more comfortable.

Never give decongestants or antihistamines to a baby or young child without your pediatrician’s approval. Children’s medications for ear pressure should always be discussed with a doctor first.

Flying With Congestion or a Cold

Flying with a cold, sinus congestion, or allergies significantly increases your risk of severe airplane ear because swollen nasal passages narrow the Eustachian tube openings. Many doctors advise postponing flights if you have severe congestion or an active ear infection, but that is not always possible.

If you must fly while congested, preparation is everything. Take an oral decongestant 30 to 60 minutes before your flight. Use a nasal spray about 30 minutes before takeoff and again before descent. Begin swallowing, yawning, and using pressure equalization maneuvers from the moment the plane starts moving, not just during the critical descent phase.

Can you fly with an ear infection? In most cases, doctors recommend avoiding flying with an active middle ear infection because the risk of complications, including a ruptured eardrum, is much higher. If flying is unavoidable, talk to your doctor beforehand. They may prescribe antibiotics or a short course of oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and protect your ear during the flight.

If you feel sudden, severe pain during descent that does not respond to any pressure-relief technique, alert a flight attendant. They cannot provide medical treatment, but they can note the incident in case you need to seek care after landing.

Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

Mild airplane ear usually resolves on its own within a few hours of landing. The pressure equalizes naturally as your Eustachian tubes gradually reopen, and the discomfort fades. But knowing when symptoms signal a more serious problem can help you avoid lasting damage.

Common Symptoms

Typical airplane ear symptoms include a feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear, mild to moderate pain, muffled hearing, and a popping or clicking sensation. You might also notice slight dizziness or ringing in the ears, called tinnitus. These symptoms are normal and should improve within hours.

When Symptoms Signal a Problem

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following after a flight. Severe pain that does not improve within a few hours of landing could indicate fluid buildup in the middle ear. Hearing loss that persists more than a day deserves a prompt evaluation by a doctor or audiologist. Bleeding or fluid draining from the ear may indicate a ruptured eardrum, which requires immediate care.

Vertigo or significant dizziness after a flight can suggest that the inner ear has been affected. If you experience a spinning sensation, nausea, or loss of balance, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Possible Complications

In rare but serious cases, untreated severe airplane ear can lead to a ruptured eardrum, middle ear infection, or permanent hearing loss. Most complications heal on their own with proper care, but a ruptured eardrum can take weeks to heal and may occasionally require a minor surgical procedure called a tympanoplasty.

The most important rule is this: if ear pain or hearing changes last more than 24 hours after a flight, do not wait. See a healthcare provider. Early treatment prevents most complications from becoming serious.

FAQs

Conclusion

Knowing how to reduce ear pain and pressure during takeoff and landing comes down to one principle: keep your Eustachian tubes open and equalizing pressure throughout the flight. Swallow and yawn continuously, use the Valsalva or Frenzel maneuver when needed, and stay awake during descent. For severe cases, decongestants and nasal sprays taken at the right time can make all the difference.

If you are flying with a cold, babies, or an ear infection, preparation matters even more. Start your techniques early, never wait for pain to set in, and talk to your doctor if you have concerns. With these methods, you can fly comfortably and protect your ears for the long term.