One nice thing about Xjt is that reserve rules don't seem bad. You can preference "will fly" or "no preference". They're short on FOs so, especially in EWR, you can fly a ton if you want. In 2 of the 3 months I've been here I've credited over 100 hours. The other was 90-something. Take home at least about $3000/mo after all deductions.

Airport reserve seems to be assigned if you're junior and they don't have anything else for you. It's only 4 hours and you get full credit. Scheduling's job is to see a hole and fill it, so your assignments can look like a patchwork. We can also aggressive pickup trips from open time the day before your reserve block.

If you live local and want to fly, reserve isn't bad. My last 5 day block had 3 1 day turns and a short 2 day.