I can gaurantee you that at no point during the check-in debacle was the "C" word or its monetary value mentioned. The staff created an atmosphere in which I felt a little stupid and naive at not having first checked in on line before heading for the airport and the whole sorry affair was of my own doing. Having spent a significant amount of time away from home and with celebrations planned I was very disappointed that my stupidity in not checking in on line also precluded me from travelling on the next flight. I approached another carrier who was also fully booked but did have the facility to take cash payments at the desk had there been a spare seat. I eventually drove LGW - EDI and resolved never to let the orange oompa loompa muppets ever get the upper hand again.
Be careful with Lo Co booking procedures