The holidays are a time for travel, celebration, and spending time with loved ones—but for many people, flying can be far from festive. If you experience facial pressure, headaches, or ear pain during air travel, your sinuses could be to blame. Changes in cabin pressure, dry air, and existing nasal or sinus conditions can make flying a painful experience.

At New York Sinusitis Treatment, Dr. Greg Levitin, a board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon, helps patients understand and manage sinus problems that worsen during or after flights. Whether you’re preparing for a cross-country trip or heading overseas for the holidays, the right sinus care can make all the difference in flying comfortably.

Why Flying Can Trigger Sinus Pain

When an airplane ascends or descends, cabin pressure changes rapidly. Normally, the sinuses and Eustachian tubes equalize that pressure by allowing air to flow freely in and out. However, if your sinuses are blocked due to inflammation, allergies, or infection, pressure can build up behind the eyes, cheeks, and forehead—leading to pain and congestion.

This condition, sometimes called aerosinusitis or sinus barotrauma, occurs when the sinus cavities cannot properly equalize with outside air pressure. The result can be intense discomfort and even damage to sinus tissues.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp facial pain or pressure during takeoff or landing
• Headaches centered around the eyes, temples, or cheeks
• Blocked or congested nasal passages
• Tooth pain or ear fullness
• Post-nasal drip and throat irritation after flying

While these symptoms may resolve after landing, for many people they linger or worsen—especially if there’s an underlying sinus condition.

Underlying Sinus Conditions That Can Make Flying Painful

Frequent travelers often notice that their sinus symptoms become more severe over time. This may be due to chronic sinus conditions such as:

• Chronic Sinusitis: Persistent inflammation that causes nasal blockage and pressure
• Deviated Septum: A structural issue that obstructs airflow and sinus drainage
• Nasal Polyps: Soft tissue growths that narrow sinus passages
• Allergic Rhinitis: Inflammation caused by seasonal or environmental allergies

If left untreated, these conditions can make air travel increasingly uncomfortable and may lead to recurrent sinus infections.

Comprehensive Sinus Care with Dr. Greg Levitin

At New York Sinusitis Treatment, Dr. Greg Levitin provides advanced diagnostic and treatment solutions for patients suffering from sinus-related pain—especially those affected by flying.

Dr. Levitin is a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and one of New York City’s most trusted sinus specialists. His comprehensive approach begins with a detailed evaluation of your nasal and sinus anatomy using nasal endoscopy and imaging, allowing him to pinpoint the source of your discomfort.

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Medication therapy for sinus inflammation or infection
• Allergy testing and management to reduce triggers
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon sinuplasty, are used to open blocked sinuses
• Septoplasty or polyp removal for long-term relief and improved airflow

With proper treatment, many patients report a dramatic reduction in sinus pain and pressure during air travel—making future flights far more comfortable.

Don’t Let Sinus Pain Ruin Your Holiday Travel

If you dread flying because of sinus pain or pressure, you don’t have to suffer through another trip. Dr. Greg Levitin and his team at New York Sinusitis Treatment are here to help you breathe easier—both in the air and on the ground.

Schedule a consultation before your next flight to receive a personalized sinus evaluation and learn about modern treatment options that can restore balance and comfort to your travels.

Contact New York Sinusitis Treatment today to book an appointment with Dr. Greg Levitin, one of Manhattan’s leading experts in sinus health. With the right care, your next holiday flight can be pain-free.