US-based airlines are now required to give passengers automatic cash refunds when a flight is significantly delayed or cancelled – even if the customer doesn’t ask for one – under a new Department of Transportation rule. The rule, which was finalized in April, went into full effect this week ahead of the upcoming holiday travel season. “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them – without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote on social media Monday. “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds t…