The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel abroad, towns and locations. This entails two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely indispensible Several airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that several countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back residents that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision company will be employed for marooned nationals to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further information on travelling abroad and present government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their destination – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Complete amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some consumers, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked individually

Patrons are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/modification in dates. Various airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial reimbursement in conditions where other means do not.

If customers have organised travel to infected zones after a caution was published in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are advised to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in some circumstances, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the existing circumstances, problems occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those customers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any extra expenses for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have received a repayment, then the duty of worry ends here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is conceivable, or where patrons feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain additional assistance. Specific embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in regard to a destination that the customer selects to journey to, and the consumer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Customers are urged to certify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a refund due. If you think that your customer rights have been breached, 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 booked via an certified booking site, then you ought to normally receive a repayment.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket merchant, the particular 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 request repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or altered date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be requested through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers wishing not to attend – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

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

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as usual. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are instucted 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 cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the companies for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

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

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

Weddings and special functions could probably be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the service or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is key.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the planner should define in detail the basis why a refund is not possible, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ accountable 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 get in touch with their bank and try 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 remain unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery firms have announced delays on unnecessary goods for delivering medical supplies and essential goods. For more info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the items should be the initial point of contact.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that applies in various circumstances mentioned below.

, a more inclusive 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 purchasing items from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the dealer

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

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

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without causing significant inconvenience

If a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they may instead be permitted to:

• Keep the items for a lesser price
• Return the items for a refund (total reimbursement in 6 months or perhaps 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 covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the goods must go with the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during conversations over the call or face to face

If the purchaser feels that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A full reimbursement if the items have not been accepted (not used and issue seen immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules regarding refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are offering refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the situation, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel which is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a cancelled function should contact the travel service for more info on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone abroad should come back to the United Kingdom, many are still stuck without any way to get home.

The Government has implemented steps such as especially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For the moment, they have made several suggestions about what those people who are trapped abroad should do.

If someone suffers or believes they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is residing will provide suggestion and assistance on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen must seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally revealed when somebody 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 more information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read 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 locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional details on transport home. They may be able to delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

Those having travel insurance must contact their provider as the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel could also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

There is even the option for those stranded to get in touch with their manager and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary aid in a few circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those stranded don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If money runs out whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can also offer monetary aid in some situations. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be asked to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

If the trapped passenger has worries regarding 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 still 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 whilst stranded abroad

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around 4 weeks.

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 country.

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 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