Originally Posted by scambo1

Absolutely true. The commute option is defined as 2 hours commute (then immediatly available).

Normal S/C response time (commute option not used) is "readily" or "promptly" available...generally accepted as you have your phone and you'll get there as soon as you can (generally accepted as two hours, but not in stone).

Now, jailhouse lawyer me thinks like this: If I use the 2 hr commute, when my commute flight lands, I turn on my phone. If there are no messages, I am right back to the promptly available and I go to my hotel.

My experience has been that if I use the 2 hr commute option, scheds generally won't release me early. I play it by my commute flights and my fleets departure times (I don't have a sexy voice). For example I dont try to get released early unless there is a flight home that leaves early. And I dont sweat the release (too hard) if there are no departures or sign ins within a reasonable boundary of time around my s/c release time ie: if my flt home leaves 1/2 hr before my s/c release time I just get on it. (This probably doesn't work at all domestically because there are a constant departures).

That said, the shortest I've been "shortcalled" on the 777 is about 6 hours before departure. It was my only callout on the plane in 5+ years. (caveat: I am on reserve about 4-6 months a year due to inability to build a line) If I could get a schedule year round without fail, I would never sit reserve as a commuter.