I recently popped into my local Flight Centre for some flights I need for the Easter holidays wondering how they made any money these days when everything is available online….
As always I checked skyscanner.co.nz before going in so I knew exactly what flight I wanted and how much.
They beat the price I found online (only by a few dollars) but also gave me $20 each passenger (total $60) flight centre money to use on my next booking with them.
They also gave me some goodies like lollipops, travel wallet, etc.
Great service - highly recommend you go there before you buy tickets online. :)
I used to work with travel agents, supporting one of the 3 major GDS software systems (And a bit to do with the other 2). A lot of the business is either corporate, which is understandable, or just walk ins, which surprised me a bit.
Booked through a travel agent about 10 years ago for a trip to Japan, but that is the only time I can recall, can't remember which company it was though. Remember it being really simple, as they sorted everything.
Wouldn't be against it, but the only problem I can see is when booking the quick sale fares (that those of us without kids can book) and not having time to go and see them, plus the fact that they get no commission from low cost airlines. So if booking a school holiday fare with a full service carrier, it could well be better off through an agent.