How does reserve work then? Say you live in MIA, and you're base is JFK? Do you have to check in at the crew hotel the night before? Seems wasteful, especially if you don't get called.

I dont know of any airlines that pay for a hotel while your on reserve, its all on your dollar-if your a commuter on reserve you've gotta get a crash pad or pay for a hotel! Most of the time if your a commuter its alot cheaper to get a crash Pad=(Multiple crewmembers sharing a house or apt.)