Ketchup packets and water from the hotel sink. Heat them up in the room's coffee pot and instant tomato soup!

Better yet, just cruise around Costco, taking in the free samples. A couple round trips should fill you up.

Only because it's true. You guys take jobs that don't pay enough to eat normal food at a normal restaurant like normal human beings do while out of town on a business trip.

A tub of protein powder and protein bars and a bag of vitamins + lots of water

I agree. I realize that some people must make do with the little money they have. Like the FO's at a crap regional that make crap wages. I feel bad for these guys and sometimes wish I could offer them a starbucks without embarassing them.

What always amazes me though are the captains that make over 100 k per year and pack all their food with them because they are too cheap to pay for anything on the road. I will never understand what makes many pilots some of the cheapest people on the face of the earth. Thoughts anyone ?

Do you lift Bro?

Favorite go to food to pack in cooler
 

It's one thing to be cheap. Food on the road is horrible for you. I pack wisely with a big bag because any food at an airport will likely kill me in 35 years. Gluten and dairy free are tough without a lunch bag, in my defense.

Plenty of thoughts. 1. You literally have no Idea what he/she has for monthly expenses. 2. Many he/she has an allergy to food that makes it hard to eat on the road 3. Maybe he/she doesn't want to fall victim to the American Diet. 4. Does it really matter to you if they pack their own food?

I pack all my own food on the road. I train for Ironman/half ironman's and follow a strict diet I eat a lot and don't really want to eat McDonalds, Dunkin donuts, Starbucks, among other things that people eat on the road. I really find no problem in bringing my own food. Id rather save my money so I can travel to races, save for a house, put extra money into a savings account.

I fly with ultra marathon guys as well, and they don't look like they are going on an extended camping trip like a lot of the regional guys do. There are many other things in airports other than McD's, Dunkin Donuts, and Starbucks.

In fact, I haven't been to any of those three places in years.

Does an expense card count?

Sorry, that sounded flip, but there is an old career advice about dress/act like what you want to be, not what you are. If you act like a regional pilot that might be your fate. Everyone has the "interview" suit, but you need to practice being the B777 captain you want to be everyday, on and off the jet.

GF