Let's talk about food
 

Getting a good meal can be a challenge while working as an airline pilot. A coworker and I are looking at starting a business to fix this problem and we would like to hear what others have to say on the matter. We also have a survey being reviewed by the mods right now to help but I would like to get a thread going on this topic in order to get some more personal responses to explore the problem further.

So, what are some problems you experience while eating on the road?

I try to bring my own food on all of my trips because there really are no healthy options on the road. The biggest problem I have is hotel rooms without a fridge.

Food is expensive, so i just drink coffee and refrain from eating.

I fly 17 day trips...not much you can do for me....LOL

I refuse to go on a camping trip every time I goto work. Look at business travelers in the airport, you don't see them packing four days of food. I bring leftovers for the first day, after than I buy something nutritious, even if that means a $9.99 salad. We get per diem for a reason.

But you do hear them asking for seat belt extenders...

I get sick a couple times a year off bad food whether airport or hotel area. Sucks to pay for a product that was either old or poorly handled at some point. Quality of your product should be a top concern. I personally wont ever return to a food option that has gotten me sick in the past.

I usually bring those healthy choice meals for dinner (usually 4 - 5 of them), a bunch of protein shakes and bars, some sandwiches, oatmeal, etc. Its not too hard, even if you dont have a fridge in the room, just get one of those pouches that you can fill up with ice. All hotels have ice machines and all the airplanes have ice. You can always keep the meals cold. You dont need to keep them totally frozen, just chilled and they will stay good. I usually one buy around 1 meal when Im on a 4 day. I use my per diem for income, so I dont blow lots of $$$ on airport overpriced crap.

Are they away from home ~300 hours/15 days per month EVERY month? When I flew corporate I didn't pack food because I had a (relatively) no questions asked credit card. To compare a business traveler on a corporate expense account to a pilot who is in and out of an airport most of the day capped off with 10 hours in the airport Hyatt is not a solid comparison.

Sure I can spend 5-$600 on food per month but why? I pack healthy, portioned meals and have food when I want it. I'll carry my unprofessional, industry degrading lunchbox. They can keep the seatbelt extenders and high cholesterol.

Slimfast cans and protein bars. They're quick and easy when in a rush. There's no way you'll find me eating Taco Bell at midnight because of a long day and poor planning.