The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel abroad, towns and locations. This includes two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is totally essential Various airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will return citizens that are currently marooned abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision firm will be utilized for stuck citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on travelling abroad and existing government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some consumers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel booked individually

Customers are recommended to call their hotels, asking for a refund/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

In circumstances where the hotel and site are operational, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may miss out.

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial reimbursement in situations where other measures do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to infected zones after a notice was announced in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Consumers are recommended to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent affairs, various insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some conditions, have changed cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the existing condition, problems occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those passengers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any further charges for housing and any food essential. For those patrons who have received a repayment, then the responsibility of worry finishes here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is possible, or where customers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain further assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice released in relation to a country that the traveller picks to journey to, and the traveller chooses to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Customers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a reimbursement due. If you think that your customer rights have been breached, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and advice.

Events and Entertainment

Cancelled events

If the tickets to an event such as a concert or sports event have been cancelled, and these have been booked through an official booking site, then you ought to usually receive a refund.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory organisation and as such, compel firms listed with them to reimburse the ticket’s face value cost when an event is cancelled. This does not consist of the charges incurred for delivery.

It is suggested that for any other ticket retailer, the particular company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a rearranged or altered date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a repayment can be requested via the original booking company.

As with cancelled events, this may not contain the fee paid for booking fees or delivery.

Specific events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Customers wishing not to attend – If consumers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Numerous of the greater film groups have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as regular. Others are instructing that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Customers are advised to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been charges suffered for hotels and travel, then the businesses for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to provide the facility due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special events

Marriages and special events could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is key.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a refund is not probable, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible when a product or service that has been paid for cannot be provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can get in touch with their bank and try to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unchanged during the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical firms have announced delays on non-essential items for delivering medical supplies and necessary items. For extra details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the products must be the first point of contact.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various circumstances listed below.

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is accessible by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the tradermentioned
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the idea told to the trader

When requesting for repair or replacement within first 30 days, then the shopper enters the wait period with the remaining 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Consumers who think that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their products and have exceeded the initial 30 days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in considerable inconvenience

In case a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they may instead be entitled to:

• Keep the goods for a lesser rate
• Return back the goods for a repayment (complete repayment in six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must match the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations on the phone call or in person

If the buyer believes that the items do not match the seller’s description, then they might be eligible for;

• A total refund if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and issue noted instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods don’t match the sellers description, which might be hard if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel providers have different policies regarding refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration charge may apply, depending on the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel that is no longer required or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should get in touch with the travel provider for additional information on their individual terms and conditions, including refund guidelines.

Though the Government has Informed that every person abroad should come back to the United Kingdom, many are still trapped with no way to get home.

The Government has implemented steps such as specially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, however this might take time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous recommendation about what those people who are trapped in a foreign land must do.

If someone has or believes they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is residing will give suggestion and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident should seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are normally revealed when a person is suffering from coronavirus. This is listed at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms-and-what-to-do/

The embassy or consulate in the area where the UK citizen stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies#

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for more details on flying back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those people having travel insurance should contact their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel may even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are stranded must also keep themselves updated on the declarations from local travel firms.

It is essential to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is also the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and request for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial assistance in some situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has promised to guaranteeing that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical supplies, food and water.

If cash is over whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer monetary aid in certain situations. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be requested to carry on to do this till they return back to the UK.

They may ask friends or family to take care of this person until they fly back.

If no other option is available, the home local authority must be contacted for further support and advice.

If the stranded passenger has worries regarding their job or self-employment

If they are working, they should contact their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

If they are doing a job, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stranded in a foreign land

The stranded passenger will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for up to a month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each one is payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign country.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen has been in a foreign country.

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments while in a foreign country can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or clicking:

https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad