Why Does Plane Food Taste So Bad?

Airline food often tastes bland due to changes in taste perception caused by low humidity, reduced air pressure, and noise in airplane cabins. These factors affect taste buds and the sense of smell, making it difficult to taste sweet and salty flavors. However, umami flavors, like those in tomato juice, may be enhanced in-flight, leading to different food preferences.

In what ways can sound affect the perception of taste according to the text?

Why might tomato juice taste better to some people while flying compared to on the ground?