India, April 18 -- While ginger ale and tomato juice may immediately come to mind when it comes to popular airplane drinks, is that what you should be having? Flight attendants actually say no-especially if you're a traveler looking to keep your sugar or sodium levels in check.

When it comes to tomato juice, there's actually a scientific explanation as to why it's so appealing at 35,000 feet. At cruising altitude, your sense of taste and smell can dull due to low cabin pressure and dry air. In his environment, sweet and salty flavors might not taste as intense, but umami tends to hold up better, making tomato juice taste brighter and more satisfying than it does on the ground.

Ginger ale is also a frequent pick because it's comforting,...