Seems to be very different in Europe. Here, I can book flights with basically any app online, fares are usually very competitive (cheaper than train/car mostly) and I can arrive at the airport 1hr before take-off. Even small airports that only serve no-frills airlines tend to be very nice by now (e.g. London Stansted).

And I even like to fly Ryanair, the service isn't great but they're basically always on time and boarding/de-boarding is much faster than with other airlines (don't understand why only no-frills airlines use both doors for boarding). Don't need food&drinks for a 1-2hr flight, and leg room is enough for me for that time.

I don't really know where ticket prices in the US come from. I often find cheaper fares (for the same distance) in Europe than the US, even with airlines offering free alcohol on board and lounges that are way better than what you find in the US (domestic lounges in the US are laughable).