is there a fare they can book that you cannot - no. If you put in the time and effort you can do as well or better yourself If you are not willing or able to learn how to do it then a travel agent may be able to do better. I haven't used one in more than a decade - but my recollection is that travel agents in th 90s often did not invest much effort. I found I could do better on my own. Today any travel agent still in business is likely to be good. I'd ask the agent what they offer that you cannot get yourself. And post the response - I'd be curious to hear. Even consolidator fares are pretty easy to come by these days without an agents help. Note - when I say agent I mean a brick and mortar agent - and DIY online includes online agency resources.