The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign countries, towns and areas. This entails two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely essential Various airlines are now stating cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision firm will be utilized for stuck residents to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on travelling abroad and present government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Complete expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Consumers are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/modification in dates. Several airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reimbursement in circumstances where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to infected zones after a warning was announced in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are urged to check 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 current events, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain circumstances, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the current condition, problems occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those customers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must furthermore pay for any extra charges for accommodation and any food essential. For those customers who have received a reimbursement, then the duty of care ends here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek additional help. Specific embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

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

Consumers are advised to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a repayment due. If you think that your consumer rights have been breached, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and guidance.

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 via an certified booking site, then you should genrally obtain a repayment.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the specific 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 ask for repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

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

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

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

Consumers choosing not to be there – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Quiet a few of the greater movie franchises have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as normal. Others are instructing that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak 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 repayments.

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

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

Marriages and special occasions could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying 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 cause why a refund is not possible, including any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers 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 entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers can get in touch with their bank and attempt 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 remain unchanged during the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery companies have declared delays on unnecessary goods for transporting medical supplies and necessary items. For more details on orders placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the products should be the first contact point.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in different circumstances mentioned below.

But, a more comprehensive 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 purchasing goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the sellertold
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose explained to the trader

If requesting for repair/replacement in the first 30 days, then the purchaser enters the wait period with the remaining 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair/replacement.

Buyers who believe that  any of the above do not fit for their goods and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  purchase, might be entitled to repair/replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical timescale
• Without leading to significant difficulty

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

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must go with the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

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

If the buyer believes that the goods do not match the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A complete reimbursement if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and problem noticed instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, which could be hard if the description was given verbally.

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

Scotrail are giving refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the situation, and an administration charge may apply, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned a trip which is not essential or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should get in touch with the travel provider for more info on their individual conditions, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has recommended that everyone in a foreign country should return to the United Kingdom, a lot are still stranded without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures like especially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, but this might take some time. For now, they have made several recommendation about what people who are stuck in a foreign country need to do.

If somebody suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is staying will give suggestion and help on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen must seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are typically revealed when a person is infected by 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 stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions necessary will depend upon the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by checking out:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more details 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 inexpensive flight home cannot be booked

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

Those people having travel insurance must contact their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who can’t afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves stuck must also keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is even the choice for those stuck to contact their boss and ask for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary assistance in a few circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stranded don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has committed to guaranteeing that British citizens in foreign country have access to housing, medical essentials, food and water.

If money runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can also provide monetary help in some situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to care for a relative in the UK

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should make sure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this till they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they should contact their employer wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

If they are employed, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign land

The stranded person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for up to a month.

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 queries or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst abroad 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