This seems to be a new policy. Two years ago, this fee never existed. Then a year ago, it seemed that 1/2 the EXP agents charged it and the other 1/2 did not. Now, it seems that everyone charges it. So I definitely feel this is a new fee.

I still have my favorite EXP AAgent when booking award flights for others in which I am not traveling. He still insists that every other agent is wrong and actually reads out policy. He even told me he trains others.