Air Travel with Children and Ear Pressure Relief
(Authored by my best traveling partner, my wife) A primary rule for air travel with children is to be aware of the “ear pressure” thing. For adults, it is a barely noticeable plugging of our ears. Close your nose with your fingers and pretend to blow it. That will “pop” your eardrums and suddenly your hearing improves. This is a hard thing to teach to children. TIP: For babies, have a bottle ready to feed as soon as the plane takes off. If it is a long flight, save the second feeding for landing. Shorter flights, let the baby suck on a pacifier or, at the very least, cup your hands over its ears during descent. For older children, a lollipop or gum will get them swallowing and should help keep their ears clear. (Thanks, honey!)