As a live-in-base reserve guy, I hunt for open time that meets at least one of several criteria:

1. Includes at least one day on a day off. That gives me extra pay.
2. Runs up against, but not into, a reserve sequence. That puts me last or nearly last in the list of guys who will be used in that sequence.
3. Occupies the first day or two of a five-day sequence. This, again, puts me at the bottom of the list to be used for the rest of the sequence.

Even if a trip occupies a reserve day Scheduling/Crew Support will let you pick it up. Just call and ask. If it's too far out, you will need to request the trip add in FLICA and get denied, then contact Crew Support. They put it on your schedule no questions asked nine times out of ten. Strategic use of open time has got me extra pay, more days at home, or some combination thereof more than once.