Who did you get on with? Don't just think of JFK. If you are going to be on reserve, and commuting, you probably will commute out the day before. Think about LGA, EWR, ACY, PHL, BOS...
I say these because you can catch a ride with a fellow commuter, or taxi, or public transport from LGA/EWR. ACY/PHL a a little far way, but still public transport an option. BOS; PLENTY of "Shuttle" flights to LGA, JFK.
I used to commute out of BOS to DTW. NWA was great, however in the summers, a lot of non-rev types going to sight see. Used to fill up the 757, and this is before CASS. So I would try to get a Shuttle flight (DAL, or US) to LGA, then on us to DTW. I have also done BOS-EWR-DTW. BOS-ORD-DTW.
On the way back same thing. And ONCE was desperate to get home, and the BOS flight was full, I got on the PVD flight, and took a bus to BOS.
MANY options!!!