The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This entails two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad unless it is absolutely essential Several airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to slow the increase of the virus.

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

Further details on travelling abroad and current government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Consumers are advised to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a refund/modification in dates. Various airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial compensation in situations where other ways do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to infected regions after a notice was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed conditions, and owing to the present circumstances, issues arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those travellers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any extra costs for housing and any food vital. For those patrons who have received a reimbursement, then the obligation of care terminates here. It is then the obligation of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is probable, or where customers feel stranded, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired 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 relation to a destination that the traveller chooses to go to, and the customer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Customers are insisted to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is wanted or a refund due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 booked through an authorised booking site, then you ought to usually obtain a repayment.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or changed date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is incompatible, then a repayment can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Certain events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

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

Cinema closings

Quiet a few of the larger cinema franchises have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For customers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the possibility 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 fees will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service restarts as regular. Others are instructing that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel charges

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been costs 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 vary, but possibilities may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

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

Weddings and special functions could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the service or organising cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is vital.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a refund 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 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, clients 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 scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unchanged during the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery companies have announced delays on avoidable items in favour of shipping medical supplies and essential products. For additional information on orders placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the items should be the initial contact point.

We have explained the important consumer rights legislation that applies in different situations below.

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, 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 purchasing goods from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

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

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

Purchasers who believe that  any of the above do not fit for their products and have passed the initial 30 days after  purchase, may be eligible for repair or replacement that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

If a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they might instead be allowed to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lower rate
• Return the items for a reimbursement (complete reimbursement in 6 months or perhaps 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 merchandise must suit the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an email or text
Any description during conversations over the call or in person

If the purchaser believes that the goods don’t go with the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault seen quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what was paid and what the products are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the items do not match the sellers description, that can be hard if the description was given verbally.

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

Scotrail are giving refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly because of the situation, and an administration charge may apply, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel which is not required or have booked travel to a cancelled event should call the travel service for more details on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that every person in a foreign land should come back to the UK, several are still stuck with no way to get back home.

The Government has adopted steps like specially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, but this may take time. In the meantime, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those stranded in a foreign land must do.

If someone suffers or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is residing will provide advice and guidance on what to do if someone has, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are normally displayed when somebody 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 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 alternatively visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions mandatory will depend upon the region that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found 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 more info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional information on flying back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

Those having travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. People who can’t afford travel may even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is important to contact friends and family to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

There is also the option for those stranded to get in touch with their boss and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial help in a few situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those trapped do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has promised to ensuring that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical supplies, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide monetary aid in a few situations. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they return back to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to look after this person till they fly back.

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

If the trapped passenger has worries about their employment or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they should keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

If they are working, 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.

Benefits or state pension while trapped abroad

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around 4 weeks.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each payable for 13 weeks while in a foreign land.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen stays abroad.

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments while in a foreign land can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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