Guys,

What's the specific difference in terms of hours between long and short call?

Each airline is different, but generally speaking short call means you have 2hrs from crew scheduling calling you until you have to be at the airport. Long call is anywhere from 10-14hrs from phone call to being at the airport, depending upon your specific airline.

Us airways short call says you only have to live within 90 minutes of the airport, no mention as to how fast you have to get there. It takes a lot of short call guys up to 3 hours to get there.

Good point, I think AA's contract just says "within a reasonable amount of time" so its wide open as well.

Translation: You are an adult and we are treating you as such by expecting you to be professional and responsible. Must be nice!