Well, if a phone call from someone without proper authorization is sufficient to downgrade bookings, I take that as an anti-plugging for an airline.
I’m sure he got the confirmation number. Hell, anybody with that number could make changes. It’s not like the operator in the other end knows what James May actually sounds like. Plus, if you booked online, they’d never know if you’re the traveller or a buddy who wants to be funny.
How do you employees book things or change flights for business travel? It’s always been like that.