Flying with a head cold can turn a routine flight into a painful experience, especially when cabin pressure triggers intense ear and sinus pressure during takeoff and landing. If you’ve ever flown with throbbing ears, you know how miserable it can be. This guide shares practical, experience-based tips to help you prepare, reduce pressure pain and fly more comfortably even when you’re congested.
Key Takeaways:
- If your symptoms are severe, consider postponing your trip or seek medical advice before departing.
- OTC products like decongestants, antihistamines and nasal sprays can help you fly comfortably.
- Ear Planes are widely available earplugs that provide pressure relief, but there are drawbacks.
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Ask Yourself: Do I Have to Travel?
Plans can’t always be put on hold and airline tickets can be expensive — and nonrefundable. If you don’t have travel insurance, cost is definitely a consideration.
The last time I had to fly while I was sick, I had a cold and sore throat. My symptoms were annoying, but not critical. And it was before we had ever heard the word “coronavirus,” so I wasn’t worried about that!
If I had a severe cold, fever, difficulty breathing, ear infection or serious sinus infection, I probably would not have gotten on the plane. .
And, of course, I didn’t want to spread my germs to the other passengers stuck near me in the airplane cabin for hours. So I brought a mask to keep my germs to myself.
Of course, if you aren’t sure whether you should be flying with a cold, get medical advice to determine your best options based on your symptoms.
Why Do Your Ears Hurt When You Fly With a Head Cold?
According to health experts, the pressure in your sinuses and middle ear should be at the same pressure as the outside air. When you’re in an airplane and it takes off or starts to land, the external cabin air pressure changes more rapidly than your internal air pressure. That’s what causes the ear pain.
Tips for Flying with a Head Cold: What Worked for Me
- I took a decongestant at least an hour before the flight. It helped keep my head from feeling like it was going to explode. The one I used was a 12-hour decongestant, so I didn’t have to re-take it during the flight. The decongestant brand most recommended is Sudafed.
- An antihistamine helped dry up my runny nose. I also made sure to have plenty of tissues on hand. Bring a Ziploc bag to seal in your used tissues and all of those germs. DO NOT tuck them into the seat back pocket!
- Another option is to try a nasal spray (such as Afrin) to shrink the nasal passages. When nasal passages are swollen, the eustachian tubes in your ears can become clogged. This makes it harder for your ears to pop and equalize the pressure between your inner ear and the cabin air. In a worst-case scenario, you could end up with ears plugged for days, temporary hearing loss or even a ruptured eardrum.
- Chewing gum, sucking lozenges or drinking water or other liquids can help. Before and during the trip, I drank plenty of fluids, took Vitamin C and rested as much as I could. Flying may be stressful and uncomfortable in some ways, but it does force you to rest, at least physically. I made sure I had a refillable water bottle so I could fill up after passing through security. That meant I didn’t have to wait for the flight attendants to bring me water – or have an uncovered glass of water on my tray with a squirmy 5-year-old in the seat next to me.
The Must-Have Product to Avoid Ear Pain
Per a friend’s suggestion, I invested in a pair of Ear Planes. This earplug is made specifically for people flying with sensitive ears, or who have a cold, sinus problems or allergies. I think these made the biggest difference in my case. It was a relief to not feel the pressure in my head at all or have to constantly try to get my ears to pop to relieve it.
I used the Ear Planes during both takeoffs and landings. I took them out in between since they got uncomfortable after a while. And while it was definitely not the best way to travel with a preschooler (since Ear Planes also supress noise), I felt that the pressure and pain-free flights were definitely worth it.
There’s a pediatric version for kids.
Travel Tips for Flying with a Sick Child
SheBuysTravel Editor Cindy Richards likes to tell the story of being on a flight with a baby who was crying in agony. After a few minutes, someone called out, “Give that baby a bottle!” The distraught mom answered, “She won’t take a bottle.” At that, another passenger yelled, “Then give her a boob. That baby is in pain!”
Flying can be a painful experience for little ears. Here’s what medical experts recommend:
- See your pediatrician before taking a sick child on an airplane.
- Bring along age-appropriate items to help equalize pressure in your child’s ears and sinuses. That could mean a bottle, lollipops, gum or, in some cases, a cover-up for mom so she can give the baby a boob.
- Give the kids lots of water to keep them hydrated, which is always a challenge in the dry cabin air.
- Know where the nearest hospital is at your destination. This is always good advice, even if no one falls ill.
Flying with a Head Cold FAQ
Pack items in your carry-on that are age-appropriate: bottles for babies and toddlers, lollipops or gum for older kids. For nursing moms, a discreet cover-up provides some privacy in tight airplane seats.
I swear by Ear Planes. They relieved my ear pressure and pain. But, it’s worth noting, they suppress noise too, so, if you’re traveling with littles who need your constant attention, consider the pros and cons carefully.
It can be. If your eustachian tubes get severely clogged, your ears may feel plugged for days, you might suffer temporary hearing loss, or possibly face a ruptured eardrum.
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