Originally Posted by
bedrock
The only thing, is that a 2 hour drive might be cutting it VERY close when you are on reserve and you have a 2 hour call-out. Also, on reserve, it isn't that uncommon to fly a leg and back and be released to the next call out. So you will have to drive 2 hrs back home. And do it again tomorrow.
It would not be ideal but consider the alternative. Fly in day prior, hang out in crash pad until getting called, fly your leg, go sit around in crash pad.
OR, be at home, they call you. Sure you drive more than you flew but you get to go back home.
That is why chosing an airline with decent reserve rules or ability to control schedule
can help. Envoy's commuter hotels apply even if you are not a commuter. Take your case - lets say winter in chicago happens as it always does and you time out around 1AM. They put you into 10 hours rest with a 9am sign in. True driving home to drive back would suck. Cash in on your hotel in this one case. (Not saying envoy is the best but it is indeed one benefit here).