How do aggregator sites differ from other types of sites?

How do aggregator sites differ from other types of sites?

Catharine Hamm (Travel Editor, LA Times) gives expert video advice on: How should I pick a hotel?; What are the most common types of rooms offered by hotels? and more...

I think each hotel site, be it aggregator or not, has its merits. I think with Travelocity, Expedia or Orbitz, you generally have customer service that backs you up. In other words, if you get into a jam, if your flight is cancelled or something goes wrong with your hotel, you can contact Travelocity, Expedia or Orbitz. With an aggregator site, you're doing business directly with the airline or with the hotel, so your recourse is not as great. It's like the difference between having a travel agent and not having a travel agent. As we know, travel agents are often really good advocates for travelers, and they can intervene when necessary. You don't have that when you're using an aggregator site because you're doing business directly with the site, so you have nobody to advocate for you.