The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This entails two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely vital Various airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back residents that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel management company will be utilized for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

Further info on travelling abroad and existing government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Complete amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening certainly for some customers, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Patrons are advised to call their hotels, asking for a refund/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial reparation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If consumers have organised travel to affected zones after a caution was published in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are recommended to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have changed 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 unforeseen circumstances, and owing to the present condition, issues surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those customers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any additional costs for accommodation and any food vital. For those patrons who have taken a repayment, then the responsibility of worry finishes here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is probable, or where customers feel stuck, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to seek additional support. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in regard to a destination that the traveller picks to journey to, and the customer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to check policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a repayment due. If you belive that your customer rights have been waived, 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 via an official booking site, then you ought to normally get a repayment.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a postponed or changed date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is not fitting, then a repayment can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Patrons deciding not to be there – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the greater cinema chains have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service resumes as normal. Others are recommending that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons 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 terminated due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been charges paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for each of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Seperate terms and conditions may alter, but options may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a refund should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special functions

Marriages and special functions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company providing the ceremony or managing cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is vital.

For anything 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 possible, consisting any costs they have experienced 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’ liable 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, clients can get in touch with their bank and try and 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 remain unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery firms have announced delays on uneeded products for transporting medical supplies and necessary items. For additional information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods must be the first contact point.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that applies in different situations listed below.

Nonetheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is available by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentexplained
• Exactly like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the idea explained to the dealer

If requesting for repair/replacement in the first thirty days, then the shopper enters the wait period with the remaining thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Customers who believe that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their products and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  purchase, may be eligible for repair/replacement that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in significant problem

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

• Keep the goods for a lesser price
• Return back the products for a refund (total refund within six months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must go with the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during chats over the call or personally

If the buyer believes that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A complete re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and fault seen instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the items don’t go with the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules regarding re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

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

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned travel that is not required or have planned travel to a annulled function should contact the travel provider for more info on their individual conditions, including refund guidelines.

Though the Government has suggested that everyone in a foreign country must return back to the UK, several are yet trapped with no means to come back home.

The Government has taken steps such as specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this might take time. In the meantime, they have made numerous suggestions about what those stuck in a foreign country should do.

If someone suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is residing will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are generally revealed when someone is infected by coronavirus. This is available 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 resides can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions necessary will depend on the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by visiting:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more details on going back home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those having travel insurance should contact 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 cannot afford travel may also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are trapped must even keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel companies.

It is important to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / financial aid

There is even the option for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and request for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial aid in certain situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stranded do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If money is over whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can as well provide monetary help in certain situations. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for someone back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ensure that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they fly back to the UK.

They could ask family or friends to take care of this person till they return back.

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

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

If they are employed, they should be in touch with their manager wherever possible to keep them informed about their situation.

If they are working, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stranded in a foreign country

The trapped passenger will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around one month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for 13 weeks whilst abroad.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen stays in a foreign country.

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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