The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to foreign countries, cities and regions. This entails two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries unless it is utterly vital Several airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are currently stranded abroad. More information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration firm will be utilized for stranded nationals to book and pay for the flight home.

Additional information on going abroad and current government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Due 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

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

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Customers are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a repayment/modification in dates. Various airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are recommended to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial reparation in circumstances where other measures do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected regions after a caution was published in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are advised to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in several situations, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and owing to the existing situation, issues occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those passengers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should also pay for any extra charges for housing and any food required. For those consumers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the responsibility of concern terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is possible, or where consumers feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain more support. Individual embassy locations can be obtained 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 caution issued in regard to a country that the consumer selects to journey to, and the traveller picks to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Consumers are advised to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you belive that your customer rights have been waived, 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 by means of an official booking site, then you must genrally get a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request refunds. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a postponed or changed date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is not fitting, then a repayment can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers choosing not to be there – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the big movie franchises have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already bought tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will resume, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service recommences as regular. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are advised to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been charges incurred for hotels and travel, then the companies for every one of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to offer the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special functions

Weddings and special events could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the service or managing cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should outline in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not possible, consisting 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 purchases 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, buyers can get in touch with their bank and attempt to 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 are unchanged throughout the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery firms have proclaimed delays on avoidable items in favour of transporting medical items and vital products. For extra details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the products should be the first contact point.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations listed below.

Nevertheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, 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 buying items from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the agentdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the idea explained to the seller

When requesting for repair/replacement 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.

Purchasers who think that  any of the above do not fit for their items and have passed the initial thirty days after  purchase, may be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without causing significant problem

In case a repair or replacement is not possible then they might instead be allowed to:

• Keep the goods for a lower rate
• Return back the products for a refund (complete reimbursement in 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must suit the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during chats over the call or personally

If the buyer feels that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A total re-payment if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies regarding re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are giving refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might apply, depending upon the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel which is no longer required or have planned travel to a annulled function should contact the travel provider for more info on their individual terms, including refund guidelines.

Although the Government has suggested that everybody in a foreign land must return to the United Kingdom, many are still stuck with no means to get back home.

The Government has taken measures such as especially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, but this might take time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what those trapped abroad need to do.

If someone suffers or believes they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the client is staying will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are typically revealed when a person is suffering from 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 stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend upon the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by visiting:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate 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 contact 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a inexpensive air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for more information on transport home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

People with travel insurance must 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 can even see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stranded should even keep themselves updated on the announcements from local travel companies.

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to those stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial assistance

There is also the option for those stranded to get in touch with their employer and ask for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial assistance in some situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people 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 accommodation, medical essentials, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can as well provide monetary help in some situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for somebody back in the UK

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

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

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

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

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

If they are working, 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 stranded in a foreign land

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

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person 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 questions or doubts about benefit payments while in a foreign land 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