How do you relieve pressure in your head after flying?

The Valsalva Maneuver
  1. Close your mouth.
  2. Squeeze the nostrils closed with one finger.
  3. Gently attempt to exhale out of your nose while keeping your nose pinched and mouth closed.
  4. Continue until you relieve the pressure.




The pressure sensation in your head after a flight, commonly known as "airplane ear," occurs when the air pressure in your middle ear and the environmental pressure are out of sync. To relieve this, the most effective method is the Valsalva maneuver: pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently try to blow air through your nose; this forces the Eustachian tubes to open. Other active techniques include yawning widely, swallowing frequently, or chewing gum, which engages the muscles around the tubes to facilitate pressure equalization. If the blockage persists after landing, steam inhalation or using a saline nasal spray can help reduce any inflammation in the nasal passages that might be trapping air. In 2026, many frequent flyers also use "pressure-regulating" earplugs during descent to slow the rate of change. If you experience severe pain, drainage, or hearing loss that lasts more than 48 hours, it is vital to consult a medical professional, as persistent pressure can occasionally lead to a ruptured eardrum or fluid buildup behind the ear.

People Also Ask

Some studies suggest that the cabin pressure changes in the airplane, which are more pronounced during takeoff and landing, affects the head and sinuses in a way that triggers a headache.

MORE DETAILS

In addition to the obvious connection with air travel, they are generally associated with landing, tend to be very painful and throbbing, are usually unilateral, and often resolve after approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

MORE DETAILS

Aerosinusitis or sinus squeeze is when the intra-sinus pressure (pressure inside the sinus cavity) does not measure up to the surrounding environmental pressure. The difference in pressure irritates the mucous lining of the sinus cavity causing pain and discomfort.

MORE DETAILS

Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.

MORE DETAILS

It is not recommended to fly with acute intracranial hypertension because the conditions in the plane can worsen your condition and cause excruciating pain. If you have chronic or benign intracranial hypertension, you might be able to fly if your condition is under control.

MORE DETAILS

Thunderclap headaches are severe headaches coming on full force in less than a minute, lasting at least 5 minutes, and often appearing without any trigger. The pain may be felt anywhere in the head and may in some cases extend down the back of the neck.

MORE DETAILS

Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder, but not temporary enough for many travelers. If you're flying from San Francisco to Rome for a 10-day trip, for example, it may take six to nine days to fully recover. That's because it can take up to a day for each time zone crossed for your body to adjust to the local time.

MORE DETAILS

If you don't shower and bacteria and fungi do catch a ride back to your hotel with you, Tetro says you may end up depositing germs that aren't your own into your new space—particularly your bed.

MORE DETAILS

Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.

MORE DETAILS

Some studies suggest that the cabin pressure changes in the airplane, which are more pronounced during takeoff and landing, affects the head and sinuses in a way that triggers a headache. Another possible explanation for AHs is a fear of flying, which can cause stress and anxiety and subsequently trigger a headache.

MORE DETAILS