A few days ago, I presented at a checkin counter and was told that I was holding 8 tickets instead of 4...2 reservations, one in cash, one in Avios.
Seems I made one in Avios, and forgot about it, partly because it was not reflected in my account as an upcoming trip.

I was able to cancel it before takeoff, but obviously did not get a redeposit as it was within 24 hrs.

Is this a rule BA enforces strongly, or are there exceptions? It is what it is, my mistake, but if there is a way to get my 40K Avios back, I'd love to try.