Illustration of a mom and child with a lollipop on a flight

Why Do Kids' Ears Hurt on Airplanes? (And How to Help)

Quick answer: Kids' ears hurt on planes because cabin pressure changes faster than their small eustachian tubes can keep up, especially during descent. Swallowing, sucking and yawning help the ears equalize. The pain is usually temporary and eases within minutes.2,3

What's happening inside the ear

The middle ear is an air-filled space behind the eardrum. A narrow channel called the eustachian tube connects it to the back of the nose and keeps the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum balanced.4 When a plane climbs or descends, cabin pressure changes. If the eustachian tube doesn't open often enough to let air in or out, the eardrum gets pushed or pulled, which causes that full, painful feeling.1,4

Why kids feel it more than adults

  • Narrower tubes. Children's eustachian tubes are smaller, so they block more easily.2,4
  • Colds and congestion. Mucus from a cold, allergies or an ear infection can clog the tube.2,4
  • They can't "pop" on purpose. Babies and young kids don't know how to clear their ears, and sleeping kids swallow less often.2,4

Why landing is often the hardest part

Many parents notice the most crying as the plane comes down. Swallowing is especially useful just before takeoff and throughout descent, so plan to keep little ones awake and swallowing during those windows.2,4

What usually helps

  • Babies: a bottle, breastfeeding or a pacifier during takeoff and landing. Keep bottle-fed babies sitting upright.1,2
  • Toddlers: sips of water or another non-caffeinated drink, and staying awake for takeoff and landing.2,3
  • Older kids: chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop, with an adult watching.1,3

When to call the doctor

  • Your child has an ear infection or significant ear fluid before a trip. A doctor may suggest delaying the flight.2,3
  • Ear pain lasts for several hours after the flight.2
  • You're considering pain relievers, antihistamines or decongestants. Ask first and follow package directions.2,3

Planning your next trip? Our Flying With Kids guides cover packing, timing and takeoff tips.

Sources

  1. Mayo Clinic. Airplane ear: Symptoms and causes.
  2. Nemours KidsHealth (medically reviewed by Yamini Durani, MD). Flying and Your Child's Ears.
  3. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Traveling with children.
  4. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, ENT Health. Ears and Altitude (Barotrauma).

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your child's doctor about your child's specific needs, especially before flying with an ear infection or giving any medicine.

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