Sometimes being based at a hub airport for one airline opens up opportunities in terms of lower airfares and special sales by other airlines — if you are willing to take connecting flights instead of direct or non-stop flights.

Being based in the Atlanta area, I often find that connecting flights operated by United Airlines and American Airlines are less expensive than non-stop flights operated by Delta Air Lines...

...and unlike Atlanta — which really has no other alternative airport unless you are willing to drive to and fly out of airports such as Birmingham or Chattanooga — at least Hobby International Airport is a possible alternative.