"plus you're in a city with an international airport hub."

>pays an extra $30,000 a year to live near SFO

>saves $50 on a flight to Asia once a year

rationale checks out

If you like to travel and fly a few times a year, being near a major airport may not be justifiable financially but removes so many pain points from the process. I definitely travel more than I would if it was more difficult.

I grew up in a small town far from any airport and traveled internationally regularly. We either drove 50 miles to a small regional airport, which meant we'd have layovers and connections flying almost anywhere (more chances for lost luggage!), or we drove three+ hours to a big airport with expensive parking. Landing after a long international flight and having to get in the car and drive for three hours is a terrible way to end a trip.

These days I live within a 30 minute cab ride of LGA or JFK. The availability of flights and the ease of getting to and from the airport makes a huge difference in how annoying it is to fly. Cheap early morning flights don't require pulling an all nighter, there are direct flights to so many cities, and the wheels-down-to-hot-shower-and-beer-at-home time is so short.

It works for the CEOs who make the decision.

Living near a major airport gives them a lower chance of seat upgrades, though. Nobody in ATL ever gets Delta 360.