Qatar does not have a choice. It is a Department of Transportation (DOT) rule that is not open to interpretation. The airline has two choices that they can offer passengers. A 24 hour hold of a reservation. Or a 24 hour cancel. Most airlines follow the latter rule. Am not sure about Qatar Qatar needs to refund all of the money. You should call them up and insist or write them an email and copy the DOT
http://www.dot.gov/sites/dot.dev/fil...al20130530.pdf