Originally Posted by writerguyfl

I'm of the opinion that online travel agencies (OTAs) like Orbitz are relevant because their customers believe their advertisements. They seem to have convinced the occasional traveler that booking through an OTA is wise. But, most savvy travelers know that booking directly is often the same price.

Unless you get a massive discount, involving a middleperson between you and the company providing a service isn't particularly smart unless that middleperson is well-trained.