When Do I Nurse on the Ascent and Descent?

Just a note: When I flew with my baby (she was 8 months at the time) she was WAY too distracted to nurse on the plane. I was soooooo glad that I brought a sippy cup with a noose around it to keep it from being thrown on the floor (which came in VERY handy) and snacks and new toys. I just gave her the sippy when taking off and landing since she wouldn't nurse. We had no issues.

I always started when I felt the pressure myself. If they won't nurse (it does happen sometimes), see if you can play a funny face game where you open your mouths really wide. Also take some snacks that really require some chewing (but are safe for swallowing issues) - fruit roll ups, maybe, or something crunchy like Cheetos - not something I normally gave them, so it was a special treat. Take a sippy cup and get juice, too; that might help.

In my experience (both with kids, and in the case of my ears not popping) the ascent is not bad. The descent is where the pain comes in.
What I would do is keep an eye on your baby, and when he/she starts to look uncomfortable then start nursing.
For me, the pain in my ears starts even before they tell you to 'return to the upright position' on the descent.
That said - I have taken my kids on an airplane multiple times starting at 3 months, and for the most part they have coped with it really well, and not had any of the pain that I know can happen. (If they have a cold or any congestion, then that can make things worse.) I have only had them complain once or twice, but not screaming, just uncomfortable.
Hope that helps. :)

I'd suggest at the time when you take off. Then, as often as possible during the trip. Especially when you feel the pressure, and as you notice decent.
I nursed this way from when my child was an infant, all the way past 2 yrs. old. Never had a problem.
L. M

I never noticed a real need on the take-off--I've travelled with my daughter since she was 8 weeks old. That is the time when they are adding pressure to the cabin to keep it ambient. On the landing you'll normally hear an announcment "we are beginning our descent in the destination"...you should get yourself situated and start as the pressure will start releasing from the cabin shortly thereafter.

Neverfear...if you don't hit it exactly right the screaming will also pop her ears and everyone around you.

My son was 9 months old when we flew last year to Chicago from Las Vegas. On the ascent I got myself ready and latched him on when the pilot told the crew they were ready to take off (basically sitting at the end of the runway getting ready to accelerate into the takeoff).

On the descent, when they came around to pick up the drinks and trash was a good indication we were getting close. I tried not to nurse him too soon as my son would only nurse for about 12 minutes at a time on each side.

If you are not purchasing a separate seat for her I highly recommend wearing a sling, it was the best thing I had with me. Because my son had constant ear infections the doctor prescribed him medicine he had to take the morning of the flight which made him drowsy thus he nursed himself to sleep. Having him in the sling my arms were free for the entire trip and we both got some shut eye.