My rule of thumb? Never use third parties to book any part of my travel. I think you end up with more headaches that they are worth. That includes air, hotel, and other transportation. I'd rather pay a bit more than pay any consolidator who won't step up and take care of their mistakes. Expecting that the consumer is so used to subpar services is just reinforcing that subpar service. Just make it stop.
My rule of thumb? Never use third parties to book any part of my travel. I think you end up with more headaches that they are worth. That includes air, hotel, and other transportation. I'd rather pay a bit more than pay any consolidator who won't step up and take care of their mistakes. Expecting that the consumer is so used to subpar services is just reinforcing that subpar service. Just make it stop.