Hi Mrs. Kellys, Thank you for posting your query on healthcaremagic.com and giving us this opportunity to clarify your doubts. Well, let me explain to you why this ear pain (ear barotrauma) occurs in a flight... The air pressure in the middle ear is usually the same as the air pressure outside of the body. The eustachian tube is a connection between the middle ear and the back of the nose. If the eustachian tube is blocked, the air pressure in the middle ear is different than the pressure on the outside of the eardrum. This can cause barotrauma, which happens in high altitude flights and deep sea water diving. The ways to prevent this barotrauma occuring are : 1) Do not sleep while on a descent. 2) Allow the infants to feed or children to sip some juice or a candy. 3) Make them yawn and breathe in and out. 4) Avoid travelling if child already has a cold, cough or sinusitis. This will exaggerate the barotrauma since the eustachian tube will already be closed due to the infection. In such a case, it will be advisable to take an anti-histaminic before the flight. 5) You may also use some nasal or oral decongestants. Hope I have helped to clarify your doubts and these measures will help your child have a comfortable and enjoyable flight. Take care and stay healthy.