The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel abroad, cities and locations. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is utterly indispensible Many airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return citizens that are presently stranded abroad. Additional information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management company will be employed for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Entire expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Patrons are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a repayment/change in dates. Various airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are recommended to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial reparation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If customers have planned travel to affected regions after a warning was published in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Consumers are advised to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some circumstances, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented conditions, and owing to the existing circumstances, problems occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those passengers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must furthermore pay for any additional charges for housing and any food essential. For those consumers who have accepted a refund, then the responsibility of concern ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to organise 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 current location to get more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

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

Consumers are insisted to verify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a refund due. If you think that your customer 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 reserved via an official booking site, then you must genrally get a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory body and as such, require 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 suggested that for any other ticket seller, the particular company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the business who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to ask for refunds. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

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

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

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

Consumers wishing not to show up – If consumers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Numerous of the larger cinema franchises have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater franchises 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 usual. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Patrons are instucted to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel costs

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been charges incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for every one of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but options may be offered to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to recent conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the amenity due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special events could potentially be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a refund should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is key.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should define in detail the basis why a repayment is not probable, comprising 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 consumers 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 enforced by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are the same during the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on avoidable products in favour of shipping medical supplies and essential products. For more info on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods must be the very first point of contact.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that applies in different circumstances listed below.

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is accessible by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying merchandise from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the traderdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the seller

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

Purchasers who think that  any of the above don’t apply to their goods and have passed the initial 30 days after  ordering, may be eligible for repair or replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without resulting in significant trouble

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

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must suit the description given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during conversations on the call or in person

If the buyer thinks that the goods do not go with the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A complete refund if the items have not been accepted (not used and defect observed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are really worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, which could be tough if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel services have different rules about refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a little because of the circumstances, and an administration charge may apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is no longer needed or have planned travel to a cancelled function should contact the travel provider for additional info on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Though the Government has suggested that every person in a foreign country must come back to the United Kingdom, several are still stuck with no way to come back home.

The Government has implemented steps like specially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For the timebeing, they have made several suggestions regarding what people who are trapped in a foreign land must do.

If somebody has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

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

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are normally shown when someone is infected by coronavirus. This is listed at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms-and-what-to-do/

The embassy or consulate in the region where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend upon the region 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 read by checking out:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find 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 booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional information on flying back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those people having travel insurance should contact 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 can’t afford travel could even check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stuck must even keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel firms.

It is essential to contact friends and family to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to people trapped to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is also the option for those stranded to contact their boss and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial assistance in some situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people trapped don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If money is over whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well offer monetary help in a few circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should make sure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this till they return to the UK.

They could request family or friends to look after this person till they return.

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

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

If they are working, they should be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated on 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 apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension while stuck in a foreign country

The stranded person will still attain 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 thirteen weeks while abroad.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen has been 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 checking out:

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