The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, towns and regions. This entails two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, 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, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is totally vital Various airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are currently stuck abroad. More information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision company will be used for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight back 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 region – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Entire cost of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for additional clarification.

Hotel and Flights booked individually

Consumers are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are allowing 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 advised to make sure the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial reparation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to affected areas after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are recommended to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company directly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in some conditions, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed conditions, and due to the existing condition, concerns surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those travellers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any extra charges for stay and any food essential. For those patrons who have received a reimbursement, then the obligation of care terminates here. It is then the duty of the passenger to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to seek further assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice released in relation to a destination that the customer selects to journey to, and the consumer selects to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Consumers are insisted to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is necessary or a refund due. If you feel that your consumer 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 by means of an official booking site, then you must genrally obtain a reimbursement.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or altered date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is incompatible, then a repayment can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Specific events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Customers choosing not to be there – If consumers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Numerous of the greater cinema groups have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as regular. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons are advised to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel costs

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the establishments for every one of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but choices 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 deliver the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special events

Weddings and special functions could probably be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company providing the ceremony or organising cancels, then a repayment should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs 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 repaid, the planner should define in detail the basis why a refund is not possible, including 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’ responsible when a product or service 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 contact their bank and try and 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 unchanged during the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on non-essential goods in favour of transporting medical items and vital products. For more information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the items should be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that is relevant in various circumstances mentioned below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing items from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerdepited
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose made known to the seller

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

Buyers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their items and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, can be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without causing significant inconvenience

In case a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they might instead be permitted to:

• Keep the products for a lower price
• Return the items for a reimbursement (complete reimbursement in 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must go with the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

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

If the purchaser believes that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A complete refund if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem noted immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, that can be tough if the description was delivered in words.

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

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the situation, and an administration fee might apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned a trip that is not needed or have booked travel to a annulled event should get in touch with the travel provider for additional information on their individual terms, along with refund guidelines.

Although the Government has suggested that every person abroad should return back to the UK, several are yet trapped with no way to get home.

The Government has implemented steps like especially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this may take time. For now, they have made several recommendation regarding what people who are trapped abroad need to do.

If someone has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is residing will provide advice and help on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen must take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are normally revealed when someone 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 region where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures necessary will depend upon 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 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 additional information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for additional info on going back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip home.

People with travel insurance must contact their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who can’t afford travel can also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped must even keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel firms.

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

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is even the option for those stranded to get in touch with their employer and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary help in certain situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those trapped don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If cash is over whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can even offer monetary aid in some situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for a family member back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ensure that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they come back to the UK.

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

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

If the stranded passenger has worries about their employment or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they should keep in contact with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

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

Perks or state pension while trapped in a foreign country

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

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for 13 weeks whilst abroad.

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or clicking:

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