I'll admit it; I've been lucky and was only on short call for three full months before my first relief line. Unless something happens and we start going in reverse, I think I'm high enough that I won't be back on reserve even if we drop a few lines of flying after the summer. Given that upgrades are likely going to slow or stop after June, I don't expect to get a hard line until next year, but I'll take coasting into a top ten relief spot in a heartbeat, especially if we get smartpref going for phase II and we get some more control over our schedules.

I'm really thankful that my timing was that lucky - I know many people have had it much, much worse. I honestly didn't know how rough commuting while on reserve was going to be for me. For some people (I would imagine if you are 23 and single it's easier than being in your 30's with many more family and financial obligations) life on reserve is easier than others. Everyone is different.