OP, it's a long shot, but you could try a DOT complaint. Within 2 hours of departure, the airport service fee is no longer an optional fee and that might mean something, though I'm not sure what, if anything.
Originally Posted by
metallo
I recently bought a walk-up ticket at the counter at TPA (similar situation when I cancelled a reservation on another airline), and I was within two hours of the flight's departure time. I wasn't charged any additional fee.
In order to comply with DOT regulations, the agent must quote the total cost of the ticket inclusive of the service fee. If you were quoted $100, for example, it's possible that the breakdown was actually $65 ticket + $35 service fee and it's buried somewhere in your receipt.