Originally Posted by
JJeffrey
IME if the award contains AA metal flights then the miles will be automatically reinstated, however if it's just partners then most times not.
I had 3 QR-only awards last month that I had to cancel and none of the miles were automatically reinstated.
As noted just give AA a call, the fact that you cancelled 5 hours before departure doesn't matter.
I also canceled return trips (that were in 6 days), also on Qatar+Iberia and those got refunded within 30 minutes.