I was disappointed to learn that in Colombo "Cathay" OWE tickets are being handled by a local TA that apparently now chooses to add a hefty c/c surcharge, so I have a little less confidence in the airline's ticketing policies than I once did.

Dealing directly with a TA usually brings the benefit of having the tickets issued and FedEx'ed; the airline may or may not be willing to issue and hold tickets for pickup on some date in the future.

Of course the downside is making sure the TA is honest, which is where the FT community is invaluable.