Flying With Blocked Ears [verified] (2026 Update)

Exaggerate a yawn, or push your lower jaw forward and side to side.

If you forgot to pre-medicate and your ears feel like they are being stabbed during descent:

if you have a middle ear infection (otitis media) or a fully blocked Eustachian tube. See a doctor before travel. flying with blocked ears

Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy stimulates saliva production and frequent swallowing, which naturally engages the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes. When You Should Avoid Flying

For most people, the “ear pop” during takeoff and landing is a minor nuisance. But if you are flying with a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, those same pressure changes can turn a routine flight into a painful ordeal. In worst-case scenarios, it can lead to barotrauma—a physical injury to the middle ear. Exaggerate a yawn, or push your lower jaw

The main culprit behind blocked ears during flight is the change in air pressure. As an airplane ascends or descends, the air pressure outside the ear changes, causing the eardrum to bulge inward or outward. If the Eustachian tube is blocked, the air pressure in the middle ear cannot equalize with the outside pressure, leading to discomfort, pain, or even hearing loss.

A medicated nasal spray (like Afrin) used 30 minutes before takeoff and 30 minutes before landing can be a lifesaver. Note: Only use these for short durations to avoid "rebound" congestion. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy stimulates

Pinch your nose and swallow. This often works better than Valsalva because swallowing naturally opens the tubes.

It is normal for ears to feel "plugged" for a few hours after a flight. If the sensation persists: This keeps mucus thin and moving.

Flying With Blocked Ears: A Complete Guide to Comfort and Safety

Other factors that can contribute to blocked ears during flight include: