I've found it really depends on whom you get at the counter and what mood they're in. Flying out of Kodiak I know most of the people at the counter (and it's AK Airlines) so I rarely pay excess fees but coming back I get stuck with them at the big anonymous airports flying some of the crappier airlines (Delta, United).

I'm sure if you got Remington Girl at the counter and gave her a right sexy wink you'd be all set!