Most of these big sites like Expedia or Travelicity are nothing more then travel agents. There is no difference between buying from them or direct from the airlines. In fact, I prefer Expedia to UA or EK.COM when buying full intl premium fares. It is MUCH easier to mix airlines (especially airlines in different alliances (out on AA/BA back on UA as an example). Another big plus when buying tkts for other people; some airlines like SQ require the credit card holder to be present when the passenger checks in. Many dint realize that this is due to fraud on THEIR web site & this rule is not for people who buy tkts in person or thru a T/A. Since Expedia is a travel agent, I don't need to show my credit card when the passenger checks in with these airlines (a big deal w SQ & EK).