The U.S. Department of Transportation has enacted new rules requiring airlines to automatically issue full cash refunds for significantly delayed or canceled flights. Automatic refunds are triggered by domestic delays of three hours or more and international delays of six hours or more. Airlines now have a timeframe of seven business days for credit card refunds and 20 days for other payment methods. The regulation aims to simplify the refund process and improve passenger rights, coinciding with the holiday travel season when flight disruptions are common. Travelers are encouraged to understand their rights under this new policy.