I got the new hire angle for you. Live in base for reserve, that's the best. I commuted from SFO to NYC first and then ATL on the MD88(wife was still in the Air Force at Travis AFB in Cali). Reserves are on call 18 days a month. The guarantee has changed with the new contract from 72-80 hours a month. I put in to fly while commuting so I was busy and life sucked. Then I moved to Atl and got to sit reserve at home. As a new guy you are usually on reserve on the weekends. The winter you don't fly very much. Last Jan I flew 5 days or so. The summertime is where you'll fly your tail off on the 88. Then I got displaced to the 757/767 in NYC. Reserve on this plane is better. I am back to commuting to sit short call in a crash pad for 24 hour periods, which blows. However I usually get a trip after my short call has ended. I flew only 50 hours in June. About to hit 3 yr pay which on the ER and this new contract is nice. Jan 13 we get another pay raise.