Online Travel Booking and Bidding Agencies - Expedia vs Webjet (Australia)

Has anyone had any experience of booking international flights through either:

expedia.com.au

webjet.com.au

I am planning a trip from Australia to Los Angeles in December and the fares that these sites are quoting flying V-Australia is about $1000 less than that quoted direct from the airline website.

What guarantee do I have that I will actually get on the plane and get back home?

Both are significant, and reliable companies so I can't see any risks in booking via them as against any other form of travel agent. However, I would be surprised if they were cheaper than the V Aust web site - I would expect the opposite.

Too Risky.What if Something Goes Wrong?I personally will not use online Agencies.I often walk past Jetset or Harvey World Travel and Flight Centres with the sign in letters without a travel agent you're on your own besides I also like doing things one on one

A "YMMV" situation for sure..

I have booked numerous itineraries through both Expedia.com and .com.au and have had no problems whatsoever... (must admit I was nervous at first)

Simple fact is multi airline itins are possible on those sites (and others like zuji etc) that are simply NOT possible to book direct with the airlines...

I have only had to call them once... (to rearrange some positioning travel after the AC South America fare debacle) and the matter was dealt with expeditiously by - I believe - a call centre in Manila.. It took some time on the phone due to an initial misunderstanding.. but resolution was achieved quite professionally omce that was cleared up!

Having said that I DO try very hard to make sure any bookings through them will NOT require changes on my part!!

I have been quite satisfied by the "after sales service".. notification of schedule changes etc...

For me it is worth what I still see as a little bit of extra risk...;)