Do travel agents get discounts on flights? Generally not, and especially not for short distances. For the most part, any discount you'd get from using a travel agent would be for a combined package. Still, it never hurts to ask if your travel agent can get you a deal on your flight.

In 2026, the answer is often "it depends on the complexity" of the trip. For simple point-to-point domestic flights, online travel agencies (OTAs) or direct booking with the airline are usually the cheapest options because travel agents often charge a service fee for basic bookings. However, for complex international itineraries, multi-city "round-the-world" trips, or large group bookings, travel agents often have access to "Consolidator Fares" or private negotiated rates that are not available to the general public. Furthermore, agents can often package flights with hotels and transfers at a bundled rate that beats individual online prices. In 2026, the primary value of an agent isn't always the raw ticket price, but the "hidden" savings—such as complimentary upgrades, lounge access, and "re-protection" during flight cancellations, which can save a traveler thousands of dollars in emergency re-booking fees.