The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel abroad, cities and regions. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries except if it is absolutely indispensible Several airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will return residents that are presently stranded abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel management firm will be used for marooned nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole expense of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening certainly for some consumers, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights booked individually

Patrons are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

In circumstances where the hotel and place 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 taken out. These may payout financial compensation in situations where other means do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to infected regions after a caution was announced in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are recommended to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed conditions, and owing to the present situation, issues surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those passengers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should also pay for any additional costs for accommodation and any food required. For those patrons who have taken a refund, then the obligation of worry finishes here. It is then the duty of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current locality to seek further support. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice released in regard to a country that the consumer selects to travel to, and the consumer selects to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to repayment.

Customers are insisted to certify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you feel that your customer rights have been waived, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and guidance.

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 reserved by means of an certified booking site, then you must genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a rearranged or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Customers deciding not to attend – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the larger cinema groups have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service resumes as usual. Others are instructing that they will be resting payments for memberships. Patrons are instucted 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 costs paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for each of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but options may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

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

Weddings and special events could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the service or organising 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 buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the planner should define in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not possible, consisting any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for orders 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 entertained.

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

Consumer rights remain unchanged during the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on non-essential items for delivering medical supplies and essential goods. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the goods should be the initial contact point.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations below.

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is available by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the dealerdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the trader

If asking for repair/replacement within first thirty days, then the shopper enters the wait period with the remainder of the 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after replacement or repair.

Consumers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their products and have exceeded the first thirty days after  ordering, might be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without resulting in considerable problem

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they might rather be allowed to:

• Keep the products for a lower rate
• Return the goods for a refund (total reimbursement in six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must go with the explanation given by the seller. This incorporates:

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

If the customer feels that the goods don’t go with the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A complete refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault seen instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the items do not match the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules regarding reimbursements of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a annulled event should contact the travel service for more info on their individual conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Though the Government has advised that everybody in a foreign country must return to the UK, several are yet trapped without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures like especially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, but this may take time. For the moment, they have made a lot of suggestions about what those people who are stranded in a foreign country need to do.

If somebody suffers or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the client is staying will give suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when someone 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 additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, check out 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 additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If an affordable air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for more info on transport home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those having travel insurance should contact their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped must even keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel companies.

It is essential to contact friends and family to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to people trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

There is even the option for those stranded 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 provide financial assistance in some circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stranded do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has committed to guaranteeing that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical essentials, water and food.

If money is over whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well provide monetary aid in some circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they should make sure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they return to the UK.

They may request friends or family to take care of this person until they return.

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

If the trapped passenger has worries regarding their employment or self-employment

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

If they are working, 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.

Perks or state pension whilst trapped abroad

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around 4 weeks.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each one is payable for 13 weeks while in a foreign country.

The State Pension will be paid despite how long the citizen stays in a foreign land.

Any queries or concerns regarding benefit payments while in a foreign land can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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