Twice bitten and I've sworn off OTAs. If everything goes smoothly then the OTA is fine but if there is a problem you soon discover airlines regard an OTA passenger as being among the lower forms of animal life. I also haven't found huge savings between OTAs and dealing directly with the airline or hotel. Even if it is marginally more expensive reducing the impact if there's a problem is worth the price and if you have status it's a no-brainer.