What does 'ready reserve' mean for a crewmember?

The term 'ready reserve' refers specifically to a situation where a crewmember is on standby status at an airport, prepared to be called in to work if necessary. This concept is critical for airlines to maintain operational efficiency and to ensure that there are available personnel ready to respond to last-minute changes, such as flight schedule adjustments or crew shortages. When a crewmember is in a ready reserve status, they must remain at the airport and be ready to perform their duties on short notice, which can involve boarding a flight or coordinating with other operational needs right away. This arrangement allows airlines to manage their workforce dynamically, ensuring flights can be staffed even with unexpected absences or delays.