The reserve rules at united are pretty commuter friendly. Transcon commute and was able to fly in the day of and fly back on the last day of reserve. You can pick up a late shortcall period or a late show to avoid the night before commute. Once you pick the trip up you are off call until showtime for that trip.

It is a completely different world. Very civilized, great people, and extremely professional. My biggest problem with other airlines is who is going to be the newhire in 5 years? The fly by night cargo, lcc, and regional airline wont be able to staff anyone competent when good paying jobs are readily available. I dont want to be babysitting or wondering what ghosts are in this newhires closet when flying to south america as a new captain.

Newhires are also holding lines within a few months in the junior bases which you are a 1 hr flight from three. Getting the Hogan is winning the lottery that most would give their left nut for.