More on current airline nickel & dime pricing

I tried to make an on-line reservation today using my frequent flyer miles today and here was the airline's web site response:

"Your travel date is less than 14 days away. We will apply a $50 quick ticketing fee (per passenger) to award reservations made within 14 days of the travel date. If you are a Dividend Miles member with Chairman's or Platinum status, you are exempt from the fee. Just log in to your Dividend Miles account. If you change your travel dates to begin at least 14 days from today, we will waive the fee."

You have to love it-a $50.00 fee for a few clicks to reserve some unsold seats.

What is/was the cost to the airline for this transactions? Only a few cents I believe!