The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to foreign countries, cities and regions. This includes two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is totally vital Several airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that several countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will bring back citizens that are presently stranded 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 administration company will be utilized for stuck citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More info on travelling abroad and existing government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their destination – Due a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Entire amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Customers are suggested to contact their hotels, asking for a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial reparation in conditions where other measures do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected regions after a notice was issued in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain circumstances, have altered 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 due to the existing situation, problems surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those passengers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any additional charges for accommodation and any food essential. For those patrons who have taken a reimbursement, then the duty of concern finishes here. It is then the duty of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stranded, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek more assistance. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in relation to a destination that the traveller chooses to go to, and the customer selects to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Consumers are urged to certify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is required or a refund due. If you feel that your customer rights have been waived, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and assistance.

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 through an certified booking site, then you must normally obtain a reimbursement.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket merchant, the particular company terms and conditions are consulted. 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 kept until a postponed or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons wishing not to attend – If customers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the greater cinema chains have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service restarts as usual. Others are instructing that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are advised to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to recent conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to offer the amenity due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special functions

Marriages and special functions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the service or arranging cancels, then a refund should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is key.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a repayment is not probable, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients 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, buyers can get in touch with their bank and try and 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 are unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery companies have announced delays on avoidable goods for delivering medical supplies and necessary products. For extra information on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the goods must be the very first contact point.

We have explained the key consumer rights legislation that is valid in various situations listed below.

, a more inclusive 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 items from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

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

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

Consumers who think that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their goods and have exceeded the initial thirty days after  ordering, might be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without causing significant trouble

In case a replacement or repair is not possible then they may rather be entitled to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the goods must match the explanation given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during chats over the phone or face to face

If the customer thinks that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A complete re-payment if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the goods do not match the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was given orally.

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

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

A valuable guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel which is no longer required or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should contact the travel provider for more information on their individual conditions, including refund guidelines.

Although the Government has Informed that everyone abroad must come back to the UK, many are yet stuck with no means to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps such as specially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, however this may take time. In the meanwhile, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what people who are stuck in a foreign land should do.

If somebody suffers or believes they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is residing will give advice and help on what to do if someone has, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are typically shown when somebody has 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 more information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions required will depend upon the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, look at 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 more information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a inexpensive flight home cannot be found

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

Those people with travel insurance must contact their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel can also see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stranded must also keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel companies.

It is important to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the choice for those stuck to contact their employer and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial aid in a few situations. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can also offer financial help in certain circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they must make sure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they return to the UK.

They could ask family or friends to take care of this person until they fly back.

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

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

If they are working, they should be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are doing a job, 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 whilst trapped in a foreign land

The trapped passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around one month.

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

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

Any questions or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign country 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