Why apple not giving me the option to mail my AirPods in

Contacted Apple in reference to replacing or repairing AirPods Pro was told the only option I had was to take to a Apple certified repair place. Explained to the guy that the nearest place is 80 miles away. Can I just mailed them in to Apple said they did not give me that option. I’m confused as to why I got AppleCare if they will not allow me to mail in to be repaired or replaced. The purpose of having it is the ease of a replacement in the case something happens, but for me to go to a place, 80 miles away to get it repaired or replaced when it would be a lot easier for me to just mail in doesn’t make any sense to me b