Submitted by Bob_Perdunsky t3_1200mat in askscience
Cow_Launcher t1_jdhb7fk wrote
Reply to comment by Kerwinkle in How does the gravity (or lack thereof) on the ISS affect digestive systems of it's occupants? by Bob_Perdunsky
The problem with aircraft is that the cabin air is very dry, (bleed air from the engines that has been run through airconditioning packs and is at least partly recycled). This dries out the mucous membranes in the nose, which in turn dulls your sense of smell.
Your sense of taste isn't standalone - it depends heavily on your sense of smell. So with that missing/impaired, food will taste bland or even entirely different to how it does on the ground.
Come to think of it, this may also be a factor in the ISS as well as the congestion problems they have. It would be interesting to know if they have humidifiers on board up there.
::Edit:: Yes they do, sort of! it's the Temperature and Humidity Control (THC) subsystem of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS).
Remcin t1_jdibflm wrote
Has any airline ever tried a humidifier? Seems too simple to not have thought of.
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