The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel abroad, cities and regions. This comprises two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely essential Various airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are currently stuck abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration firm will be used for marooned citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

More info on going abroad and present government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their region – Due a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Complete cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Customers are advised to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a refund/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are letting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to check the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial reimbursement in circumstances where other measures do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to infected regions after a warning was issued in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented conditions, and owing to the current circumstances, concerns arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those passengers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any additional charges for stay and any food essential. For those patrons who have accepted a reimbursement, then the duty of care ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is possible, or where patrons feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to seek more help. Specific embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in relation to a country that the consumer chooses to go to, and the customer selects to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Travellers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a repayment due. If you think that your consumer 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 by means of an authorised booking site, then you ought to genrally obtain a refund.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory body and as such, compel firms enlisted with them to refund the ticket’s face value price when an event is cancelled. This does not include the costs paid for delivery.

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the specific company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the company who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for repayments. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is incompatible, then a repayment can be asked for via the original booking company.

As with cancelled events, this may not comprise the charges incurred for booking fees or delivery.

Specific events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Customers choosing not to be there – If customers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the big movie franchises have stated that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will resume, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service 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 apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel costs

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been costs incurred for hotels and travel, then the establishments for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Seperate terms and conditions may alter, but options may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to offer the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special functions

Marriages and special functions could potentially be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company offering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is vital.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should outline in detail the cause why a repayment is not probable, consisting any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

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

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

Consumer rights remain unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery companies have announced delays on non-essential items in favour of shipping medical supplies and essential products. For extra details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods should be the very first contact point.

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

But, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is accessible by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing goods from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the agentdescribed
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the idea made known to the agent

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

Buyers who believe that  any of the above do not apply to their goods and have passed the initial 30 days after  ordering, can be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical timescale
• Without causing considerable problem

If a repair or replacement is not possible then they might instead be allowed to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lesser price
• Return back the goods for a refund (full reimbursement in 6 months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must suit the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during chats over the phone or in person

If the buyer feels that the goods do not match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total reimbursement if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and issue noted instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are truly worth

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

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules regarding refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the situation, and an administration fee might apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel that is not required or have planned travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel service for more details on their individual conditions, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has suggested that everybody in a foreign land must return back to the United Kingdom, many are yet stranded with no means to get home.

The Government has taken steps such as especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, however this may take some time. In the meantime, they have made several recommendation regarding what those stuck abroad must do.

If somebody suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the client is residing will give suggestion and help on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident must take medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by checking out:

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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If an affordable flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional info on flying back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

Those with travel insurance must get in touch with their service provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel can even see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves stuck should also keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is vital to contact family and friends to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is also the option for those stuck to contact their boss and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary aid in a few circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stuck do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has committed to making sure that British citizens in foreign country have access to housing, medical essentials, food and water.

If money runs out whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can also provide financial aid in some situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to take care for a relative back in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be requested to carry on to do this until they come back to the UK.

They may request friends or family to take care of this person till they come back.

If no option is available, the home local authority must be contacted for further suggestion and help.

If the trapped passenger has pressure about their job or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they must contact their boss wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

If they are working, they can still be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can request for for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension while stranded in a foreign country

The stranded person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to one month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for thirteen weeks while abroad.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen stays abroad.

Any questions or concerns 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 visiting:

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