Can you get an ear infection after flying?

Flying doesn't directly cause ear infections, but it can exacerbate eustachian tube dysfunction due to rapid pressure changes, leading to fluid buildup in the middle ear, an ideal environment for bacterial or viral growth. Conditions like a cold or sinus infection can further increase the risk of developing an ear infection after flying, but it's essential to note that flying is not the only cause of ear infections.

Can you fly with a blocked Eustachian tube?

If travelling is unavoidable, you can fly with a blocked Eustachian tube, but it may be uncomfortable due to pressure imbalance and may lead to complications like ear pain or hearing difficulties. As discussed, precautions such as using decongestants, chewing gum, or using pressure-equalising earplugs can help manage discomfort. If you're unsure of whether your condition permits you to fly, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for advice.

It is Safe to Fly With an Ear Infection? What You Need to Know

Flying with an Ear Infection: Safety Risks and Tips

Joanna Teljeur

By: Joanna Teljeur

5 minutes read

Last Updated: August 21, 2025

Reviewed by: Amy Lancelotte

An ear infection can make flying especially uncomfortable, and in some cases risky for your hearing health. Cabin pressure changes, particularly during take-off and landing, can intensify pain or cause auditory complications. To help air travellers better understand the risks of flying with an ear infection, AirAdvisor spoke with Dr Dominique Jaillat, an ENT specialist in barotrauma, to share his advice and recommendations for travelling safely.

Important:This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. AirAdvisor is not a healthcare service, and readers should always consult a qualified healthcare professional about their health condition and their fitness to travel.

Is it safe to fly with an ear infection?

The answer is clear: it is not recommended. Otitis can cause severe pain and complications during a flight. The Eustachian tubes, which balance pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment, can be blocked or inflamed by the infection, preventing effective pressure equalisation.

Dr Dominique Jaillat explains, Cabin pressure is never completely neutral for the ear. In a healthy patient, the Eustachian tube compensates for pressure changes with each swallow. But if the ear is infected, that mechanism no longer works properly; pressure builds up and the risk of pain or damage increases.

It is therefore essential to see a doctor before travelling if there is any doubt. They can prescribe treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, decongestants) or recommend postponing the trip.

In the majority of cases, I advise against flying when there is active otitis. If an effective treatment has been started and well tolerated for at least five days, and symptoms have significantly decreased, a flight can sometimes be considered, but only after medical clearance. For some high-risk patients, the temporary placement of a tympanostomy tube can also be considered to make the flight safer, - Dr Jaillat adds.

What are the specific risks of middle ear otitis?

Among middle ear infections, it is important to distinguish between infectious otitis and serous otitis.

Infectious otitis

Infectious otitis, usually caused by bacteria or viruses, presents with pus and acute inflammation of the middle ear. This buildup of purulent fluid blocks normal Eustachian tube function, making natural pressure regulation between the inner ear and the outside environment impossible.

On a plane, this imbalance can cause a pressure buildup behind the eardrum, leading to intense pain, a feeling of a blocked ear, temporary hearing loss, or even eardrum perforation.

For a patient with acute otitis, cabin pressure can no longer be compensated properly. That significantly increases the risk of barotrauma, - says Dr Jaillat.

Serous otitis

Less obvious but still risky is serous otitis, often post-viral, which involves a clear fluid accumulation behind the eardrum without purulent infection or acute inflammation. It affects the middle ear, sometimes silently, which can delay diagnosis.

Even though it is less acute, serous otitis can make the flight unpleasant. The dry, pressurised air in the cabin can sometimes slow recovery, - Dr Jaillat explains.

He also warns about a little-known risk:

Serous otitis does not always cause immediate pain, but that does not mean there is no danger. In flight, pressure can worsen the situation. Trying to unblock the ears can risk pushing bacteria back into the middle ear, turning a mild condition into a real infection.

Even without strong pain, it remains essential to have your ears examined by a healthcare professional before flying as soon as symptoms appear.

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What about external otitis?

External otitis, sometimes called swimmer’s ear, is an inflammation of the outer ear canal, often caused by moisture or prolonged exposure to water. Unlike middle ear infections, it is generally not affected by cabin pressure changes, which makes flying less risky in terms of hearing.

However, the flight can still be uncomfortable if the inflammation is significant. The dry, pressurised air in the cabin can further irritate the ear canal, slow healing, or increase pain, especially if the infection is not yet stable.

Even external otitis, if inflammatory, can be painful in flight. It is not just a matter of pressure, but also of environmental conditions that are not conducive to healing, - emphasises Dr Jaillat.

It is therefore recommended to consult a doctor before travelling, especially if there is persistent pain, discharge, or swelling. Appropriate local treatment can be prescribed to limit discomfort during the flight.

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How to decide whether to postpone your flight

Cancelling or postponing travel due to an ear infection might seem excessive, but in some cases it is the best option.

Delay your flight if:

You are experiencing intense pain or have a fever
Your doctor advises against flying due to risk of complications
You have a history of chronic ear infections or barotrauma
You have recently had ear surgery

Postponing your trip by 5 to 6 days, to allow the infection to resolve, could save you from a painful and stressful experience. In some cases, it is also the best choice for the long-term health of your ears.

Tips for travelling despite an infection

Before the flight:

See your doctor or an ENT specialist: A medical assessment helps gauge risk and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Use nasal sprays or decongestants: These can help clear airways and ease pressure equalisation.
Stay hydrated: Good hydration supports the mucous membranes.
Use earplugs designed for flying (e.g., EarPlanes): They help regulate pressure during altitude changes.

During the flight:

Chew gum or suck on hard candy or lozenges at take-off and landing.
Sit upright, especially during descent.
Sip water regularly in small amounts.

The reflex to chew gum or drink water helps, but it does not replace a medical diagnosis. With an already fragile ear, this kind of self-care is insufficient, - warns Dr Jaillat.

After the flight:

Monitor how your symptoms evolve.
See a doctor quickly if you have persistent pain, discharge, or prolonged hearing loss.
If symptoms last several days, book an appointment with an ENT specialist.

To learn more about illnesses that may affect air travel and what options you have if you need to cancel for medical reasons, see our article: Too sick to fly?

Can natural remedies help before flying?

Some simple actions may offer partial relief:

Warm compress on the affected ear
Steam inhalation to clear the airways

These approaches are not a substitute for medical advice. Also, do not insert any object or unprescribed substance into the ear.

To Sum Up

Flying with an ear infection carries real risks, and medical advice is essential to assess the situation. Postponing a flight by a few days can prevent severe pain or serious complications. And remember, preparing your trip carefully and following a suitable treatment plan makes for a better overall travel experience. Your hearing health must remain the priority, - concludes Dr Jaillat.

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.