The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and regions. This includes two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is utterly indispensible Many airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will return residents that are presently stranded abroad. Further information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel management firm will be used for marooned nationals to book and pay for the flight home.

More information on going abroad and current government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Whole cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening certainly for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Patrons are suggested to call their hotels, asking for a compensation/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial reimbursement in conditions where other measures do not.

If customers have organised travel to infected areas after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in several circumstances, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen situations, and owing to the existing condition, concerns occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those customers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any extra costs for accommodation and any food required. For those consumers who have received a reimbursement, then the obligation of worry ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where patrons feel stranded, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to get additional support. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained 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 notice published in regard to a country that the traveller picks to journey to, and the customer selects to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to reimbursement.

Travellers are insisted to certify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a refund 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 reserved via an official booking site, then you must usually receive a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

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

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

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the larger film chains have stated that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further communication. For customers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as usual. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been charges paid for hotels and travel, then the companies for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but options may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to deliver the facility due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special functions

Marriages and special events could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company providing the ceremony or managing cancels, then a refund should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything 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 charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is vital.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should define in detail the cause why a reimbursement 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 consumers 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 delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can contact 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 the same during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have announced delays on uneeded products for delivering medical items and essential items. For extra details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods should be the very first point of contact.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different situations 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

While purchasing products from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

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

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

Consumers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their products and have exceeded the initial 30 days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without causing considerable difficulty

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

• Keep the items for a reduced price
• Return the items for a refund (complete repayment in 6 months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must match the description provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during discussions on the call or in person

If the customer feels that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A complete reimbursement if the products have not been accepted (not used and defect noted immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the products don’t go with the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was delivered verbally.

Rail companies and travel services have different rules about re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are giving refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the situation, and an administration charge might 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 which is not needed or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should contact the travel provider for additional info on their individual terms, as well as refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that everyone in a foreign land should return back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still stuck with no means to come back home.

The Government has taken steps such as especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, but this might take time. For the moment, they have made a lot of recommendation about what those people who are stuck in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is residing will give advice and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident must take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when somebody is suffering from 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 finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions necessary will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, 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

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

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional info on going back home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those having travel insurance should contact their provider as the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are trapped should even keep themselves informed on the notice from local travel firms.

It is vital 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 cash to those people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / 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 aid in some situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those stuck do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If money runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer financial aid in some circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for somebody back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they should ascertain that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this till they return to the UK.

They may request friends or family to take care of this person till they fly back.

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

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

If they are employed, they should keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed 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 while stuck abroad

The stranded passenger will still get 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 thirteen weeks while in a foreign land.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen stays in a foreign country.

Any queries 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