In the past decade, my parents (no travel background for work, no airline loyalty, they're not flyertalk forum lurkers) have flown once a year. Sometimes once every two years. They understand the tickets they buy: Nonrefundable. No free checked bags. What size a bag must be to qualify as a 'carry-on'. How many pieces of carry on luggage they can have per person. How to qualify for pre-boarding if necessary. How boarding groups work / when to board. How Basic economy works. How E+ is different than E-. They understand what can go through TSA security and what can't. And on the one time that they get Pre Check randomly, they understand what can stay in the bag and what can't after reading the pre-check sign for about a minute. My mom is the one usually understanding and comprehending this.

And to top it all off, English is not my mom's first language. She's proficient, but not completely fluent.

So, forgive me, if I'm skeptical on why the average American can't seem to figure this out. I assure you my mom doesn't sit on the internet all day Googling UA baggage policies, boarding procedures, wheelchair policy, how to travel with a medical necessity, etc.