The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This comprises two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is totally essential Various airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will bring back residents that are presently stuck abroad. More 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 utilized for stuck nationals to reserve and pay for the flight home.

More info on travelling abroad and existing government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their destination – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Whole expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for additional explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Patrons are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a repayment/change in dates. Various airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to make sure the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may payout financial reparation in conditions where other measures do not.

If customers have arranged travel to affected zones after a caution was issued in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are urged to verify the particulars 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 events, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in several circumstances, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the existing circumstances, problems surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those customers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further costs for accommodation and any food vital. For those customers who have accepted a repayment, then the responsibility of worry finishes here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

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

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in relation to a destination that the consumer selects to travel to, and the traveller selects to call off their plans, then there is no automatic right to reimbursement.

Consumers are advised to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a refund due. If you belive that your consumer 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 by means of an certified booking site, then you must genrally receive a repayment.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket seller, the specific 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 case to ask for refunds. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a rescheduled or changed date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Patrons wishing not to attend – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the larger cinema franchises have stated that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as usual. Others are instructing that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons 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 cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been charges suffered for hotels and travel, then the businesses for all of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but options may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to provide the facility due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special events

Weddings and special events could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue providing the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is vital.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should define in detail the basis why a repayment is not possible, comprising any costs they have experienced 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 product or service that has been paid for cannot be provided.

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 and 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 crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have announced delays on avoidable goods for transporting medical items and necessary products. For additional information on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the items should be the first contact point.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different circumstances below.

Nevertheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is available by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering merchandise from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the agentdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the dealer

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

Customers who think that  any of the above do not fit for their goods and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, can be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without causing significant difficulty

If a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they may rather be entitled to:

• Keep the goods for a lower rate
• Return back the products for a reimbursement (total reimbursement within six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is insured 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 email or text
Any description during discussions on the phone call or in person

If the customer feels that the goods do not match the seller’s description, then they might be eligible for;

• A total refund if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and problem noted instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the items are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the goods do not match the sellers description, that could be tough if the description was given verbally.

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

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned a trip that is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should contact the travel provider for additional details on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund policies.

Although the Government has advised that every person abroad should come back to the United Kingdom, many are yet trapped with no means to come back home.

The Government has adopted measures like specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this may take time. In the meanwhile, they have made numerous recommendation about what people who are stranded in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is residing will provide advice and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions required will depend on the region that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by visiting:

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 information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a inexpensive flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for more details on transport home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

People with travel insurance should get in touch with their service 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 can also check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves stranded should even keep themselves updated on the messages from local travel firms.

It is vital to contact friends and family to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those people stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is also the option for those stuck to get in touch with their employer and ask for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary help in some circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those 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 accommodation, medical supplies, food and water.

If cash is over whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in some situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped 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 asked to carry on to do this till they return back to the UK.

They could request friends or family to look after this person until they fly back.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they can still be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign country

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

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each one is payable for 13 weeks whilst in a foreign country.

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or checking out:

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