I'm sure there are a few smart, conscientious TAs out there who know how to work the system on their clients' behalf. I've never had one on my side, however.

The corporate travel resources I've been forced to use have saddled my company with ridiculously high fares and fees and me with terrible routings.

The worst aspect is the lying: insisting to me that the only way to get from SEA to LGA on a Sunday is to depart at 7am on TWA when I am simultaneously viewing twenty more options on Expedia.

The second-worst aspect is the incompetence: having to explain to "travel professionals" that LON is not an airport, but LHR and LGW are two different ones... or that UA does not fly 737s on transatlantic routes.

The third-worst aspect is the expense. Why would I pay a TA $25 to get me a $250 RT on Alaska when I can do it myself on the AS website in less than 60 seconds and score a 10% web-booking discount, knocking the fare to $225?

I find I typically know more not only about the route and fare I want, but the airline/travel infrastructure in general. I don't use TAs unless I absolutely have to, and I am generally suspicious of their abilities and motives.