Originally Posted by
Octobersky
Technically speaking you are right it is not pay. I consider it a payment. If I keep my overnight expenses down, it's added pay to me.
We all could pay ourselves by eating beans instead of steak but that isn't really getting paid. It is sacrificing yourself to save money.
Personally I don't care but when pilots include per diem in statements about their income then it is artificially inflating the truth. It also adds to self delusion.
Per Diem isn't pay but it is better than a sharp stick in the eye.
SkyHigh