I can answer the travel agent question since my husband is in outside sales for a travel agency. Travel agents no longer make commission on airline tickets- therefore, some will not book them anymore unless it's with a "package". So- If they do book them, they are likely to charge an "upcharge" because it does take time to search throught all the flights for the right one. You are better off booking through the interent- I like cheapair.com. Hope that helps.