What is the benefit of using a travel agent?

I've read in a few places that TA's can throw in things or get discounts if you book through them. I have used a TA 3x for big trips in the past and have never received anything extra or discounts. What is the purpose of using one then when I can book the same thing on my own? Should I have asked for stuff?

What is the benefit of using a travel agent?

A travel agent can assure that there is a human connection to your trip, and there is always a person there who knows your itinerary and can help you one on one.
Many travel agents are enrolled in programs that guarantee their customers. Things like room upgrades, car upgrades, cabin upgrades, specials, and sometimes freebies, if they are a well-established agency that does a volume of business with a certain vendor.
The other thing is that travel agents will do a lot of digging and legwork to ensure you're getting the best airfare based on your request. For example, I just did 2 tickets to Italy during high season. I told the clients: look, I see 2 seats left at this price, but I know you wanted to really leave July 2nd. If you stay one night in Rome, I have a great rate at a hotel, and taking the next day's connection will save you$460 per person.
A computer won't tell you that.

Also, many travel agents do not charge for their vacation booking services. If you're too busy to do the legwork to find the best bang for your buck (not always cheapest) they can do it for you. And yes, they can also find you the cheapest. I had an inside scoop that construction would begin at a hotel in the DR. I told the client that even though it was cheaper, they would have a horrible time if they stayed there.

Things like that

What is the benefit of using a travel agent?

Thank you!