So perhaps this is a T&C that is more honored in the breach than the observance - and I agree that I can see some pretty hefty change fees for cars (as high as £800 close to departure, and I'm sure I've never paid anything close to that much for a car in the first place!).

All well and good if no one has been caught out by this in reality. But up until that conversation I'd have had no concerns about booking a BAH in the hope redemptions came available later on. Now I'm feeling a bit more wary...