The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This entails two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely essential Many airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

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

Further details on travelling abroad and existing government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their destination – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire cost of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Consumers are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a refund/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

In circumstances where the hotel and location are operational, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may lose out.

Travel Insurance policies

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

If consumers have planned travel to affected zones after a notice was issued in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are urged to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in some conditions, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen conditions, and owing to the existing situation, issues surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of worry to those passengers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must also pay for any further charges for stay and any food required. For those customers who have received a refund, then the duty of concern terminates here. It is then the duty of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where patrons feel stuck, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present location to get further help. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning released in regard to a destination that the traveller selects to travel to, and the consumer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Customers are advised to verify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a repayment due. If you belive 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 by means of an authorised booking site, then you ought to usually get 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 amount when an event is cancelled. This does not comprise the charges paid for delivery.

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the individual 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 request repayments. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a postponed or revised date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a repayment can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers wishing not to attend – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the big film franchises have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will continue, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as normal. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons are advised to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting 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 businesses for all of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to provide the facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a refund should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special occasions

Marriages and special functions could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue providing the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be arranged 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 reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should outline in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, including 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 buyers 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 provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, clients can contact their bank and try and make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be enforced by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain the same during the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on non-essential products in favour of transporting medical items and essential products. For additional info on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the items must be the first contact point.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that applies in different situations mentioned below.

Nevertheless, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is accessible by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While buying items from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerexplained
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the idea explained to the agent

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

Customers who feel that  any of the above don’t apply to their products and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  purchase, may be eligible for repair/replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in significant difficulty

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

• Keep the items for a reduced rate
• Return the products for a reimbursement (complete refund within 6 months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must match the explanation given by the seller. This includes:

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

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

• A complete refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault noted instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was delivered in words.

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

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the situation, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned travel which is no longer needed or have booked travel to a cancelled occasion should get in touch with the travel provider for additional info on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund policies.

Although the Government has Informed that every person in a foreign country must return back to the UK, many are yet trapped with no way to come back home.

The Government has adopted measures such as especially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, however this might take time. Meanwhile, they have made a lot of suggestions about what those people who are stranded in a foreign country must do.

If someone suffers or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the client is residing will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally shown when someone 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures necessary will depend upon the area 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 found by visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If an affordable flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more information on going back home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

People with travel insurance must get in touch with their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is important to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to people stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary support

There is even the option for those stuck to get in touch with their employer and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial aid in certain situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people 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 housing, medical supplies, water and food.

If cash is over whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can even offer financial aid in some circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for a family member back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they must ensure that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be requested to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

If the trapped passenger has pressure regarding their employment or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they should contact their boss wherever possible to keep them informed 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.

Perks or state pension while trapped in a foreign land

The stranded person will still receive 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 in a foreign land.

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

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign land 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