(CNN) – US airlines are now required to refund passengers for a canceled flight.

The new rule went into effect on Monday.

The rule also requires refunds for flights that are significantly delayed.

Some airlines previously distributed coupons to passengers in case of problems with their flights.

But a new federal rule changed that and airlines had to issue cash refunds to passengers.

The rule change comes just weeks before the start of the busy holiday travel season.

The airline industry initially opposed the change, but a group of airline lobbyists now says it supports the refund rule.

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