This might just be a US thing, I don’t know. But it seems like if I want to fly somewhere, the cheapest option is to choose the nonstop flight. If I pick a flight with a layover it always costs more.
I don’t think it used to be this way! Flights with stops and layovers were cheaper because of the inconvenience. What’s the point of picking one if they’re more expensive?
OP is talking about booking flights where you can choose between nonstop or layovers. If it’s not possible to get a nonstop, then it’s just as bad for comparison as if it’s not possible to get a layover.