Why does in-flight food taste bland?

With the increase in number of domestic airlines now, it is easier and more convenient to fly down to nearby towns! As the flights are low maintenance ones they have done away with in-flight full meals on most sectors. But for those who want to eat there is a choice of snacks that can be purchased. On long haul flights meals are still served. Have you ever wondered why foods on the plane taste blander than on the ground?

There are two specific reasons. First, due to the compressed pressure inside the cabin the molecules in the food that give out aromas are not as freely moving as they are on the ground. Hence the aromatic properties of food are gradually lessened. Secondly, the cabin’s relatively dry atmosphere dehydrates and in due course, lessens the impact of smell on our noses. As the sense of taste on the tongue relies heavily on the nose working properly, we find the food bland. 

A tip for frequent flyers: The cabin’s low humidity also dehydrates the passenger’s entire body. During flights have lots of plain water to drink. Tea, coffee, juices or soft drinks are loaded with sugar and hence increase thirst and end up making one more uncomfortable.