I can think of at least twice that I've been nailed at 2.5 hrs. That's really going to depend on the pilot who was scheduled to fly the trip. If someone calls in sick 3 hrs or so before the flight, scheduling's going to do everything they can to fill the trip.

And FWIW, I monitor open time so I have a pretty good idea if someone calls in sick at the last minute.

Crap happens. SC is the company's way of covering it. I'm not happy about getting tapped for SC but I've yet to read of a viable alternative. It sure beats FS. I've done both and while SC puts me on a short leash, at least I don't have to be at the airport.

I don't want to sound like a company suckup (I'm sure I'll get some incoming for this), but look at this from the company's point of view. How would you plan for last minute sick calls? I'd love to read a workable alternative.