If Hotwire revealed the itinerary, then it provides no value for the airlines. You make a trade off to save money.

You found a good published fare PHL-FLL, so Hotwire in that case to save $20, I agree, is useless.

But if you take a high fare market such as AUS-DEN which is routinely priced $340 for a connection or $450 for a nonstop, and can get an itinerary for $200 on Hotwire, it's a bargain.

Many Hotwire fares represent a small savings, especially in Southwest Airlines markets. In markets with low or no competition (such as ITH), there are also no savings on Hotwire. But in markets with high fares and decent airline coverage, the savings can be tremedous. Another example: SYR-SAT, $277 on Hotwire vs. published fare of > $500.