The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel abroad, towns and areas. This entails two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is totally vital Many airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will return residents that are currently marooned 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 utilized for marooned citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

Additional details on going abroad and present government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Complete expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel booked individually

Patrons are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/modification in dates. Various airlines are permitting passengers 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

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

If consumers have arranged travel to infected areas after a caution was published in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent affairs, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in several circumstances, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented situations, and owing to the existing condition, problems occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those customers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline must also pay for any further expenses for housing and any food essential. For those consumers who have taken a reimbursement, then the responsibility of concern terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to seek more help. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in regard to a country that the consumer picks to go to, and the consumer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Customers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary or a refund due. If you belive that your consumer 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 via an certified booking site, then you should normally receive a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the specific 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 ask for refunds. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or altered date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be requested via the original booking company.

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

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

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

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the larger movie groups have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as regular. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Customers are instucted 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 paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for every one of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be offered to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to recent circumstances.

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

Weddings and special occasions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is vital.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should define in detail the reason why a repayment is not possible, consisting any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the customer.

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’ responsible 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, consumers can get in touch with their bank and try 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 unaffected during the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical companies have declared delays on unnecessary goods for transporting medical supplies and vital items. For extra information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the goods should be the initial point of contact.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different circumstances listed below.

Nevertheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is accessible by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the tradertold
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose made known to the agent

When requesting for replacement or repair within first 30 days, then the buyer enters the wait period with the remainder of the 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after replacement or repair.

Consumers who feel that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their items and have passed the initial thirty days after  ordering, might be entitled to repair/replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical timescale
• Without leading to significant difficulty

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

• Keep the items for a lower price
• Return back the products for a repayment (full repayment 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 customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must suit the explanation given by the seller. This incorporates:

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

If the purchaser thinks that the goods do not go with the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A complete re-payment if the goods have not been accepted (not used and defect observed instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different rules about refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on several 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 offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned travel which is no longer necessary or have planned travel to a annulled function should call the travel service for more information on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund policies.

Although the Government has advised that every person abroad must return to the UK, several are yet stuck without any means to get back home.

The Government has taken steps such as especially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, but this may take some time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what those people who are stuck abroad need to do.

If somebody suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the client is staying will give advice and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are typically displayed when somebody 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 resides can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures required will depend on the region that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located 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 closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If an affordable air flight home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional information on transport home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those having travel insurance must get in touch with their provider as the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is important to get in touch with friends and family 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 & benefits / financial aid

There is also the option for those trapped to contact their boss and ask for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial assistance in a few situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those trapped don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If money runs out whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can as well offer financial assistance in some circumstances. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they come back to the UK.

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

If no choice is available, the home local authority should be contacted for further suggestion and help.

If the stranded passenger has worries regarding their job or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they must keep in contact with their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

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

Perks or state pension while 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 4 weeks.

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

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments while in a foreign land 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