The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and areas. This entails two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is utterly essential Many airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision company will be used for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight home.

Additional info on travelling abroad and current government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Complete amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some consumers, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved separately

Patrons are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to make sure the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial reparation in conditions where other ways do not.

If patrons have planned travel to affected zones after a notice was announced in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some conditions, have changed cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed conditions, and owing to the existing circumstances, issues surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those customers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must furthermore pay for any additional charges for accommodation and any food vital. For those customers who have taken a refund, then the obligation of concern ends here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is probable, or where patrons feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain more support. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in relation to a country that the consumer chooses to journey to, and the consumer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is necessary or a refund due. If you belive that your customer rights have been violated, 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 certified booking site, then you must usually receive a repayment.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket retailer, the particular company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the company who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for refunds. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is not fitting, then a repayment can be requested via the original booking company.

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

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

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

Cinema closures

Several of the big film chains have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once amenities restarts as usual. Others are recommending that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel costs

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been charges paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for every one of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent circumstances.

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

Weddings and special events could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the service or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be retrieved back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is essential.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should outline in detail the basis why a refund is not possible, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients 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, 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 scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are the same during the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on non-essential items in favour of delivering medical supplies and essential products. For additional details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the products should be the initial contact point.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in various circumstances mentioned below.

, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is accessible by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering items from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentdescribed
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the agent

If asking for replacement or repair within first 30 days, then the buyer enters the wait period with the remaining thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Customers who feel that  any of the above don’t fit for their items and have passed the initial thirty days after  purchase, can be entitled to repair or replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without leading to significant problem

In case a repair or replacement is not possible then they may rather be entitled to:

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced price
• Return back the products for a repayment (full repayment within six months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must go with the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during discussions over the phone call or personally

If the customer feels that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A full re-payment if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem noticed immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the goods are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the items do not match the sellers description, that might be hard if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel providers have different rules about re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the situation, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned a trip that is no longer required or have planned travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel service for more info on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that everyone in a foreign land must return to the UK, several are yet trapped without any way to get home.

The Government has taken measures like especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, however this might take time. In the meanwhile, they have made a lot of suggestions about what those people who are stranded abroad should do.

If somebody has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the client is staying will provide advice and help on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically revealed when a person has 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 additional information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions necessary will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by visiting:

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

Moreover, 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 nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

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

People having travel insurance should contact their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel could even see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is essential to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is even the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their employer and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial help in certain circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or people trapped do not have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has promised to guaranteeing that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical essentials, water and food.

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

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they should ensure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they fly back to the UK.

They could request friends or family to take care of this person till they come back.

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

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

If they are doing a job, they must contact their manager wherever possible to keep them updated about their condition.

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.

Benefits or state pension whilst trapped in a foreign country

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

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each payable for thirteen weeks while abroad.

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments while in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or visiting:

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