He could fly non-stop from Chicago's O'hare to SD anytime in a ~2 hour flight versus ~7 hours out of Buffalo. I see him signing with them, see shortest flight below from Buffalo & where it cuts through / time.
Leave
Tue, Oct 13 American Airlines 4122
operated by American Eagle
Depart: 7:25am
Arrive: 8:10am Buffalo, NY (BUF)
Chicago, IL (ORD)
1 stop Economy 1hr 45min Embraer RJ145 View seats
Change planes. Time between flights: 0hr 50min
American Airlines 1539
Depart: 9:00am
Arrive: 11:15am Chicago, IL (ORD)
San Diego, CA (SAN)
Economy 4hr 15min Boeing Douglas MD-83 View seats
Total duration: 6hr 50min