The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This comprises two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely vital Many airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are presently stuck abroad. Further information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel management firm will be employed for stranded residents to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further information on travelling abroad and current government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Entire cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening certainly for some patrons, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Patrons are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a repayment/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

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

If consumers have arranged travel to infected zones after a notice was announced in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are advised to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain circumstances, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed circumstances, and owing to the current circumstances, problems arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those customers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any additional charges for housing and any food required. For those customers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the obligation of concern terminates here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is probable, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current locality to get further support. Detailed 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 notice released in relation to a destination that the customer selects to go to, and the customer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are urged to check policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a repayment 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 official booking site, then you should genrally obtain a repayment.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the business who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the option 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 not fitting, then a refund can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

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

Cinema closings

Numerous of the big film groups have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities resumes as usual. Others are recommending that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are advised to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be proposed to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to provide the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special occasions

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should define in detail the reason why a repayment is not probable, including any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the buyer.

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 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, buyers can get in touch with their bank and try to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed 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. A few delivery and logistical companies have announced delays on avoidable products for transporting medical supplies and necessary items. For more information on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods should be the first point of contact.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different situations listed below.

Nevertheless, a complete 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 ordering products from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

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

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

Consumers who think that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their goods and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  purchase, may be entitled to repair/replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

If a repair/replacement is not possible then they may rather be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a lesser rate
• Return back the products for a repayment (total refund within 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must suit the description provided by the seller. This includes:

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

If the purchaser thinks that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

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

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the products don’t match the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are offering refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel which is not essential or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should contact the travel service for additional information on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everybody abroad must return to the United Kingdom, many are yet trapped with no way to get back home.

The Government has adopted steps such as especially chartered flights to help get citizens home, however this may take some time. For the moment, they have made several suggestions about what people who are stranded abroad should do.

If somebody has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is staying will give advice and help on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen must take medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when somebody is suffering from coronavirus. This is listed 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary will depend upon the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. 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

Additionally, 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 simply visit:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be booked

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

People with travel insurance must contact their service 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 even check if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is essential to contact friends and family to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their boss and ask for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary aid in certain situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stuck don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can even provide financial aid in some situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to care for a relative back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they should ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this until they fly back to the UK.

They may ask friends or family to look after this person until they return.

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

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

If they are doing a job, they should be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are employed, 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 stuck in a foreign land

The trapped person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land 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 abroad.

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

Any questions or doubts about 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 clicking:

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