The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, towns and regions. This entails two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is absolutely vital Several airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will return citizens that are currently stranded abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel administration company will be employed for marooned nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on going abroad and existing government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but customers can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for additional clarification.

Flights and hotel reserved independantly

Consumers are recommended to call their hotels, asking for a repayment/change in dates. Many airlines are allowing passengers 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 urged to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial compensation in circumstances where other measures do not.

If consumers have planned travel to infected areas after a warning was announced in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some circumstances, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and owing to the current situation, issues occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those travellers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further costs for stay and any food vital. For those customers who have taken a repayment, then the obligation of care finishes here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where patrons feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek further assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice published in regard to a country that the consumer selects to journey to, and the consumer picks to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Consumers are urged to certify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a refund due. If you think that your consumer rights have been waived, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and guidance.

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 certified booking site, then you should usually obtain a refund.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the individual company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request refunds. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

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

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

Specific events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Patrons choosing not to show up – If customers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the big film chains have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will continue, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as normal. Others are instructing that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are advised to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been charges paid for hotels and travel, then the businesses for every one of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Individual terms and conditions may vary, but options may be advanced to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to recent conditions.

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

Marriages and special occasions could probably be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company offering the service or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is essential.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should outline in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not possible, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the consumer.

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’ accountable 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 unaffected throughout the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery companies have announced delays on non-essential items in favour of delivering medical items and essential goods. For additional information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the items must be the very first contact point.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that applies in various situations listed below.

But, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is available 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 should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the agentdepited
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the purpose made known to the seller

If asking for replacement or repair within first thirty 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 think that  any of the above don’t fit for their goods and have exceeded the first 30 days after  ordering, might be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in significant problem

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

• Keep the items for a lower rate
• Return back the goods for a refund (full repayment within six months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must match the description given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an email or text
Any description during conversations over the call or in person

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

• A total re-payment if the goods have not been accepted (not used and fault noticed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the goods are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the client to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, which could 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 pandemic.

Scotrail are giving refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit because of the situation, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is not needed or have planned travel to a cancelled event should call the travel provider for more details on their individual conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has advised that everybody in a foreign land must return to the UK, a lot are yet trapped with no way to come back home.

The Government has implemented measures like specially chartered planes to help get citizens home, but this might take some time. For the moment, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those stuck in a foreign land should do.

If somebody suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is residing will provide suggestion and assistance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when somebody is infected by 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures mandatory will depend upon the area 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 located by visiting:

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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional details on transport home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

Those with travel insurance should contact their service provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel can also see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stuck should even keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel companies.

It is essential to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to people trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / financial assistance

There is also the option for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and ask for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial assistance in some circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people stranded don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If money is over whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can also offer monetary assistance in certain circumstances. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to take care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they must make sure that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this till they return to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to take care of this person till they come back.

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

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

If they are working, they should contact their employer wherever possible to keep them informed about their situation.

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

Benefits or state pension whilst stranded abroad

The stranded passenger will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around one month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign land.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen has been abroad.

Any questions or concerns about 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