The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and locations. This entails two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is absolutely essential Various airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will bring back nationals that are currently stuck abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration firm will be utilized for marooned citizens to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further information on going abroad and present government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Complete cost of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Customers are advised to call their hotels, requesting a compensation/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are recommended to check the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial compensation in conditions where other means do not.

If customers have arranged travel to affected regions after a warning was issued in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, various insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some circumstances, have changed cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed situations, and due to the current condition, concerns occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those travellers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should also pay for any further expenses for housing and any food vital. For those customers who have accepted a refund, then the duty of concern terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current locality to get additional help. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained 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 issued in regard to a destination that the traveller picks to travel to, and the consumer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Customers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary or a repayment due. If you think 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 reserved by means of an official booking site, then you ought to usually get a reimbursement.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a rearranged or changed date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is not fitting, then a refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons wishing not to show up – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the big cinema chains have stated that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the greater groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities resumes as normal. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are advised to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been expenditures 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 differ, but possibilities may be advanced to postpone 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 facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special events

Marriages and special occasions could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is essential.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should define in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not possible, including any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

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

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 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 are unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on uneeded products in favour of delivering medical items and necessary goods. For more info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the items must be the very first point of contact.

We have explained the important consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various circumstances listed below.

Nevertheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is accessible by visiting 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 should be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerdepited
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose told to the seller

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

Customers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their items and have passed the initial 30 days after  purchase, may be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without causing significant inconvenience

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they might instead be entitled to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lower rate
• Return the merchandise for a refund (complete repayment within six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must go with the explanation provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone or face to face

If the buyer thinks that the goods don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A complete re-payment if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault noted quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the goods do not match the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are giving refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a little because of the circumstances, and an administration fee might be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned travel that is not needed or have booked travel to a cancelled event should call the travel service for additional info on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Although the Government has advised that everyone abroad must return back to the United Kingdom, many are yet stranded without any way to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps like especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For the moment, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what those people who are trapped in a foreign land should do.

If someone suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the client is residing will provide advice and help on what to do if someone has, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are normally shown when a person 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions required will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by checking out:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a reasonably priced flight home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for more info on going back home. They may be able to delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those people having travel insurance should get in touch with their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel could also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is also the option for those stranded to contact their employer and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary aid in certain circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

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

The UK Government has promised to making sure that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical supplies, food and water.

If cash is over whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can as well offer financial assistance in some circumstances. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to take care for somebody in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they should ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be requested to continue to do this till they return to the UK.

They could request 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 advice and support.

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

If they are doing a job, they must keep in contact with their employer 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 request for for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension while stranded in a foreign country

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

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 land.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen has been abroad.

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments while in a foreign land can be answered 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