The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to foreign countries, cities and locations. This comprises two main 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 currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries unless it is absolutely indispensible Many airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are currently stuck abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision company will be employed for marooned nationals to book and pay for the flight home.

Further information on travelling abroad and existing government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their destination – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Entire expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Customers are suggested to call their hotels, requesting a repayment/change in dates. Many airlines are letting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are advised to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial compensation in conditions where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected regions after a caution was announced in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are recommended to check the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, various insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain conditions, have changed cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed conditions, and due to the current situation, issues arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those passengers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any further expenses for accommodation and any food essential. For those consumers who have accepted a repayment, then the duty of care finishes here. It is then the duty of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain further help. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired 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 warning issued in regard to a destination that the consumer chooses to go to, and the consumer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Consumers are insisted to check policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you belive that your customer rights have been violated, 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 booked by means of an authorised booking site, then you must usually receive a reimbursement.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or revised date is declared. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers deciding not to be there – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the greater movie franchises have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once amenities restarts as regular. Others are advising that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been expenditures paid for hotels and travel, then the businesses for every one of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Individual terms and conditions may vary, but options may be proposed to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to offer the amenity due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special occasions

Weddings and special events could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is vital.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not possible, comprising 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 buyers 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 entertained.

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 attempt to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be enforced by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected throughout the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery firms have proclaimed delays on unnecessary products in favour of transporting medical supplies and essential goods. For additional info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the goods must be the first point of contact.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different circumstances mentioned below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

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

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

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

Purchasers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their goods and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  ordering, can be entitled to repair/replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without causing significant inconvenience

In case a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they may rather be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a reduced rate
• Return the goods for a refund (complete repayment in six months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must suit the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

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

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

• A total refund if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the goods don’t match the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel services have different guidelines about re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a little due to the situation, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful 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 planned a trip which is no longer needed or have planned travel to a annulled event should call the travel service for additional information on their individual terms, including refund policies.

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

The Government has adopted measures like especially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, but this might take some time. In the meantime, they have made numerous suggestions regarding what people who are stranded abroad should do.

If somebody has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is staying will give advice and assistance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally displayed 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions mandatory will depend upon the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that country 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 contact the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a inexpensive air flight to home cannot be found

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 home.

Those with travel insurance must contact their service provider because the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is essential to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to those people stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their employer and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial help in certain situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those stranded don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If money is over whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can also provide monetary help in a few circumstances. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to care for a family member back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, 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 until they fly back to the UK.

They could request family or friends to look after this person until they come back.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, 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 abroad

The trapped passenger will still attain 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, they are each payable for 13 weeks whilst in a foreign country.

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

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments while abroad can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or checking out:

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