I've had the same TA for 4 years now....she's a real expert....and sometimes she can pull strings that I can't.

I do my research first via online and on PTO...then I tell her what I found and what I need and she does the rest. I don't mind paying $50-100 more than what I could get myself sometimes.....TA's are invaluable.

I once had to cancel a non-refundable $2,800 ticket......and she got it re-issued for a $200 fee...after all my pleas fell on deaf ears at the airline (Lan Chile).....that's where the value is IMHO.