Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Why Pilots Avoid Sharing Meals at the Same Time
Airlines want to make sure at least one pilot stays well enough to fly the plane.
If both pilots ate the same contaminated food, both could become sick.
To lower that risk, many airlines give them different meals.
On some flights, the pilots eat at different times too.
That way, if one feels sick, the other may avoid the same food.
The article says this is usually an airline safety practice, not a rule that applies everywhere.
Cabin crews have more people, so another crew member may be able to help if one gets sick.
Pilot meals may be made separately from passenger meals.
Many airlines have pilots eat different meals to reduce the chance that both become ill from contaminated food.
On some flights, particularly long-haul ones, the pilots may also eat at different times.
The practice is generally an airline safety procedure, not a universal legal requirement.
The article says airlines use the approach because only two pilots are in the cockpit, unlike the larger cabin crew.
Crew meals may be prepared separately from passenger meals and can differ between the captain and first officer.
- Who
- Captains and first officers on some airlines.
- What
- They may be given different meals and may eat at different times to reduce the risk of both becoming ill.
- When
- During flights; separate mealtimes may be used on some flights, especially long-haul ones.
- Where
- On board aircraft.
- Why
- To reduce the chance that food poisoning or another food-related illness incapacitates both pilots.
- Meal practice
- Many airlines have the captain and first officer eat different meals.
- Meal timing
- Some flights, especially long-haul flights, may have pilots eat at different times.
- Purpose
- Reduce the risk of both pilots becoming ill from the same food.
- Rule status
- The article describes this as usually an airline-level practice, not a universal aviation law.
- Crew meals
- Pilot meals may be specially prepared and sometimes made in separate batches.
- Meal examples
- The article gives vegetarian, chicken, and fish dishes as possible options.