The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel to foreign land, cities and regions. This includes two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad unless it is utterly indispensible Several airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will return nationals that are currently stuck abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel administration firm will be used for stuck citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

More info on going abroad and existing government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Due a compensation 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 repaid. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Consumers are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a refund/change in dates. Several airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial reparation in circumstances where other means do not.

If consumers have planned travel to affected regions after a notice was issued in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are recommended to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several conditions, have changed cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen conditions, and due to the current situation, problems arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those passengers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any extra charges for stay and any food vital. For those patrons who have accepted a repayment, then the duty of worry ends here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is conceivable, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to obtain more support. Individual embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in regard to a country that the customer selects to travel to, and the traveller chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Customers are urged to certify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you feel that your consumer 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 through an official booking site, then you must genrally get a repayment.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory body and as such, require firms enlisted with them to repay the ticket’s face value price when an event is cancelled. This does not comprise the fee 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 company who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request refunds. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a rearranged or altered date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Specific events may differ, contingent on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Consumers deciding not to attend – If customers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the larger cinema groups have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

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

Obtaining back hotel and travel costs

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

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to provide the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special events

Marriages and special events could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the service or arranging cancels, then a refund should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for everything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some charges 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 refunded, the organiser should define in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, including 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 orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable when a service or product that has been paid for cannot be entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers 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 scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery companies have proclaimed delays on avoidable items for shipping medical items and necessary products. For additional info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the items should be the first contact point.

We have outlined the important consumer rights legislation that is valid in different situations below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

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

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

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

Purchasers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their goods and have passed the first 30 days after  purchase, might be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

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

• Keep the goods for a lower price
• Return back the items for a refund (full repayment in six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must suit the description provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during chats over the phone or personally

If the purchaser believes that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A full refund if the items have not been accepted (not used and problem seen quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the products are really worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the items don’t match the sellers description, that can be tough if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are giving refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available 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 planned travel to a cancelled occasion should get in touch with the travel provider for more info on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Although the Government has advised that every person in a foreign land must return to the United Kingdom, a lot are yet stuck without any means to get back home.

The Government has taken measures such as especially chartered planes to help get citizens home, but this might take some time. For the moment, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what those people who are stranded abroad should do.

If someone has or thinks they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the client is residing will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen must take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are normally revealed when somebody is suffering from coronavirus. This is available 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 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 on 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 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 more info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for additional details on going back home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those with travel insurance should contact their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel may also check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stuck should also keep themselves informed on the notice from local travel firms.

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 might transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is even the option for those stranded to contact their manager and request for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary help in a few circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or people stuck do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can even offer monetary assistance in some situations. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for someone back in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they should ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be requested to continue to do this till they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they must contact their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

If they are employed, 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.

Perks or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign land

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

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 despite how long the citizen stays in a foreign country.

Any questions or doubts regarding benefit payments while in a foreign land can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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