We don't get extra time off rostered. We just get given more reserve days. It usually ends up being a day off so it's kinda ideal.
Actually no, a reserve day is not ideal and that's the problem. Unfortunately our EBA says that we only get a minimum of 8 days off so that's what they give - even if it means 12 days of reserve. A reserve day is still considered a work day! For the love of God don't start treating it as a DDO if you happen not to get called otherwise come next year for the EAA EBA, we'll have everyone accepting 8 days off again whilst they send us on 5 day trips up the Brisbane!
There is a reason why Virgin crews get a minimum of 12 days off a roster - it's because they do longer trips. Somehow we're copping 3-5 day trips without any additional days off to compensate. For some reason people view allowances as the extra payment for consecutive overnights which again, is completely wrong!
Apart from certain issues, it is still generally a great job. The EBA just needs some work in certain areas next year.