They always charged employees (and retirees) as well. I don't know for sure how much (I retired) because there's NO WAY I'd nonrev now. My priority is too low (I think even below you guys). As Pilotpip said, it's worthwhile to bite the bullet, pay a (deep-discount) fare, and have a seat "fer sure". If you commute, though, this bites. Why are they doing it? Because they can. If nobody paid it, they'd stop (like the bag fees). Unfortunately, that's not going to happen.