It's not only about price
Travel is still a complicated purchase to make - I know because even using all the amazing tools I have, it is still complicated! For example, is it better to book the flights that I am pricing for my client through the airline's own website, or using a GDS (like Galileo) or using a tour operator/flight consolidator? Each of these offer different prices and conditions (some allow booking by deposit although most require full payment) and different levels of support for my clients. I provide the protection as everything I sell is 100% financially guaranteed.
Hotels are similar with variety of choices open to me for pricing and booking and many of these choices are not available to the public online.
Returning to flights I am concerned that there are now websites which are booking flights which do not connect, nor do they care if their customers are stranded. The only connecting flights I book are with airlines who interline with their own service or with another airline. This provides an easier transfer as usually luggage can be checked through and boarding cards issued for the entire journey, plus providing protection in the event of bad weather/delays. However, there are websites which are showing connecting flights with low cost carriers where clients must physically collect their luggage, enter the country that they are transiting and then check-in all over again in far too short a window for this. This is something that a professional like me will never offer as being an alternative, no matter the cost saving as the risks involved are just too much and I care about my clients’ journey.
In addition airlines don't care about where clients are travelling to and whether they can actually get into the country or not, I recently became aware of someone who booked a flight directly with the airline (as that airline was a few pounds cheaper than me on that occasion) the passenger was then refused boarding of his flight in Dublin as he did not have a full six months validity on his passport. Thereby having his trip ruined and struggling to obtain a refund from the airline - as it’s the passenger's responsibility to ensure that they have the correct documentation for their trip. Contrast that with me - I always check passengers documents and the entry requirements for the country that they are travelling to, it is just the way I was taught! I also help my clients obtain the necessary entry requirements such as ESTAs for the USA; eTA for Canada and just recently I helped one of my clients obtain an e-Visa for India.
So, when you are looking at prices online remember cheaper does not usually mean best and rather than take risks why not use a travel professional where financial protection, professional travel advice and passport/visa advice is provided as standard.