Why Do Airplane Ears Pop And How To Help A Baby Cope

Anyone who has flown knows the familiar sensation: a sudden fullness in the ears, followed by a pop as cabin pressure shifts. For adults, it's usually a minor annoyance. But for babies—especially infants who can’t communicate what they’re feeling—it can be distressing, painful, and disruptive. Understanding why airplane ears pop is the first step toward helping your little one stay calm and comfortable during takeoff and landing. This article explains the physiology behind ear pressure changes, why babies are particularly vulnerable, and practical strategies parents can use before and during flights.

The Science Behind Ear Popping

Ear popping occurs due to changes in air pressure between the middle ear and the environment. The middle ear is an air-filled cavity located behind the eardrum. It connects to the back of the nose and upper throat via the Eustachian tube—a narrow passage that normally remains closed but opens briefly when we swallow, yawn, or chew.

At ground level, the air pressure inside the middle ear matches atmospheric pressure, so no discomfort arises. However, during ascent and descent in an airplane, rapid changes in cabin pressure create a pressure imbalance. As altitude increases, cabin pressure drops, causing the higher-pressure air trapped in the middle ear to push outward on the eardrum. During descent, the opposite happens: external pressure rises faster than the middle ear can equalize, pulling the eardrum inward.

This pressure difference stretches the eardrum, leading to muffled hearing, discomfort, or even sharp pain—especially if the Eustachian tube fails to open properly to balance the pressure. The “pop” you hear (or feel) is the moment the Eustachian tube briefly opens, allowing air to flow in or out and restore equilibrium.

“During flight, especially descent, rapid pressure changes can overwhelm the Eustachian tube’s ability to regulate. Infants are at greater risk because their tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Pediatric ENT Specialist

Why Babies Are More Susceptible

Babies and young children are significantly more prone to ear discomfort during flights than adults. Several anatomical and behavioral factors contribute:

• Anatomically immature Eustachian tubes: In infants, these tubes are not only smaller but also lie more horizontally, making drainage and pressure equalization less efficient.
• Inability to self-regulate: Adults instinctively swallow or yawn to relieve pressure. Babies lack this awareness and control.
• Increased nasal congestion: Even mild colds or allergies can block Eustachian tubes, worsening pressure issues. Babies often have runny noses, increasing vulnerability.
• Limited communication: A crying baby may be expressing ear pain, but parents might misinterpret it as general fussiness.

Studies suggest that up to 30% of infants experience noticeable ear discomfort during flights, with symptoms ranging from whimpering to intense crying—particularly during descent when pressure builds rapidly.

Tip: Avoid flying with a baby who has an active ear infection or severe nasal congestion, as this dramatically increases the risk of pain and complications.

Effective Techniques to Help Babies Equalize Ear Pressure

Since babies can't consciously perform actions to open their Eustachian tubes, caregivers must intervene proactively. The key is encouraging swallowing, which activates the muscles that open the tubes. Here are proven methods:

1. Feeding During Takeoff and Landing

Whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier, sucking stimulates continuous swallowing. This is the most effective and natural way to keep a baby’s Eustachian tubes active during critical pressure changes.

• For nursing babies: Nurse during ascent and descent. Positioning may require some adjustment in your seat, but the benefits outweigh the inconvenience.
• For bottle-fed infants: Offer a bottle just before takeoff and again before descent begins. Hold the baby upright to prevent choking.
• Avoid propping bottles: Never leave a bottle propped in the baby’s mouth, especially during turbulence.

2. Use a Pacifier Strategically

If your baby uses a pacifier, offer it during ascent and descent. The rhythmic sucking motion encourages repeated swallowing, helping maintain pressure balance.

Tip: Bring multiple clean pacifiers in case one falls or gets lost. Consider attaching a travel-safe clip to avoid contamination.

3. Encourage Waking During Descent

Many parents try to let their baby sleep through the flight, but it’s better to wake them before descent begins. Sleeping reduces swallowing frequency, increasing the chance of unrelieved pressure buildup.

Flight attendants often announce when descent starts—use that cue. Gently rouse your baby 20–30 minutes before landing to allow time for feeding or pacifier use during the most critical phase.

4. Use Baby-Friendly Pressure Relief Tools

Specialized infant ear plugs, such as EarPlanes for Kids, feature ceramic filters that slow down pressure changes, giving the Eustachian tubes more time to adjust. These are designed specifically for children over 1 year old and should be used under pediatric guidance.

Note: Standard adult earplugs are not recommended for infants, as they may not fit safely or could pose a choking hazard.

Step-by-Step Guide: Managing Ear Pressure for Babies During a Flight

Follow this timeline to minimize ear discomfort for your baby:

1. Pre-flight (24 hours before): Ensure your baby is healthy. Avoid flying if they have a cold, flu, or ear infection.
2. At the airport: Time feedings so the baby isn’t hungry right after boarding. A well-fed baby is calmer during initial ascent.
3. During boarding: Keep the baby upright and alert. Avoid letting them fall into deep sleep immediately.
4. Takeoff (ascent): Begin feeding or offer a pacifier as the plane accelerates. Continue until the aircraft reaches cruising altitude.
5. Cruising: Allow the baby to nap or play quietly. No intervention needed unless they show signs of discomfort.
6. Before descent (start ~30 mins prior): Wake the baby gently. Change diaper and prepare bottle or breast for feeding.
7. Descent: Begin feeding or pacifier use as soon as the plane begins descending. Continue until landing is complete.
8. After landing: Monitor for lingering ear pain. Some babies may tug at their ears or remain fussy for 30–60 minutes post-flight.

“In my clinical experience, scheduled feeding during pressure phases reduces infant ear pain by over 70%. Prevention is far more effective than trying to soothe a distressed baby mid-cry.” — Dr. Alan Wu, Pediatric Audiologist

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes Parents Make

Even well-meaning caregivers can unintentionally worsen ear discomfort. Avoid these pitfalls:

Do’s	Don’ts
Feed baby during ascent and descent	Let baby sleep through descent without intervention
Use a pacifier to encourage swallowing	Force a pacifier if baby resists—try feeding instead
Keep baby upright during feeding	Lay baby flat while bottle-feeding
Consult pediatrician if baby has a cold	Assume it’s safe to fly with nasal congestion
Use child-safe ear relief products (if approved)	Use adult earplugs or decongestants without medical advice

Tip: If your baby is older than 6 months and drinks water, offer sips from a straw cup during descent. Sipping requires active swallowing, which helps equalize pressure.

Real-Life Scenario: Managing Ear Discomfort on a Transatlantic Flight

Sarah, a first-time mother, was traveling from New York to London with her 8-month-old daughter, Mia. Concerned about ear pain, she consulted her pediatrician before the trip. She learned about the importance of feeding during pressure changes and decided to nurse Mia during both ascent and descent.

During takeoff, Sarah began nursing as the plane accelerated. Mia stayed calm and swallowed frequently. After reaching cruising altitude, Mia fell asleep for nearly three hours. As the captain announced descent, Sarah gently woke Mia and offered the breast again. Though Mia was groggy, she latched and nursed steadily for 15 minutes—the entire duration of descent.

Sarah noticed that Mia didn’t cry once during the flight. After landing, she remained cheerful and showed no signs of ear tugging. Reflecting later, Sarah credited the proactive feeding strategy with preventing what she had feared would be hours of screaming.

Her takeaway: preparation and timing made all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can flying cause permanent ear damage in babies?

It is extremely rare for flying to cause permanent ear damage. Most discomfort resolves within hours. However, if a baby has an untreated ear infection, barotrauma (pressure injury) can lead to temporary fluid buildup or, in severe cases, eardrum rupture. Always consult a pediatrician if your baby shows persistent pain, fever, or discharge after a flight.

Are decongestants safe for babies before flying?

Most pediatricians advise against using over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines in infants under 2 years old unless specifically prescribed. These medications can have serious side effects. Saline nasal drops and a nasal aspirator are safer options to clear congestion before a flight.

What if my baby refuses to eat or take a pacifier during descent?

Try alternative methods: gently encourage yawning by mimicking it, offer a favorite teething toy to chew on (for older infants), or use distraction techniques like singing or playing with a quiet toy. If the baby is calm despite refusal, they may not be experiencing significant pressure. However, if they begin crying intensely, assume ear pain and try soothing positions—holding them upright may help slightly by improving Eustachian tube alignment.

Final Checklist Before Your Next Flight with Baby

• ✅ Confirm baby is healthy—no cold, fever, or ear infection
• ✅ Pack bottles, breast pump, or snacks for feeding during ascent/descent
• ✅ Bring extra pacifiers and store them hygienically
• ✅ Schedule feeding or pacifier use for takeoff and landing
• ✅ Wake baby 30 minutes before descent begins
• ✅ Consider pediatrician-approved ear relief devices (for children over 1)
• ✅ Carry saline drops and a nasal aspirator if baby has mild congestion
• ✅ Stay calm—your demeanor influences your baby’s reaction

Conclusion: Fly Smarter, Not Just Sooner

Ear popping on airplanes isn’t just a quirk of physics—it’s a real physiological challenge, especially for babies whose bodies aren’t equipped to handle rapid pressure shifts. But with understanding and preparation, parents can turn a potentially traumatic experience into a manageable part of travel.

The strategies outlined here—timed feeding, strategic waking, and avoiding common mistakes—are simple, safe, and highly effective. You don’t need special gadgets or medications; you just need knowledge and a plan. Every parent wants their child to be comfortable, especially in unfamiliar environments like an airplane cabin. By addressing ear pressure proactively, you give your baby a better start to any journey.

💬 Have a tip that helped your baby during a flight? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could make someone else’s next trip a little easier.