The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This entails two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is utterly essential Various airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are presently stranded abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision company will be utilized for marooned residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

More info on travelling abroad and current government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Owed 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 expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Customers are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a compensation/change in dates. Many airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

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

If consumers have organised travel to infected zones after a warning was published in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are recommended to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain circumstances, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented conditions, and due to the current circumstances, problems occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those customers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should also pay for any extra expenses for stay and any food required. For those patrons who have accepted a repayment, then the obligation of concern terminates here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stuck, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to obtain further support. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in relation to a destination that the consumer picks to travel to, and the customer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Customers are advised to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been violated, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and advice.

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 reserved by means of an certified booking site, then you ought to normally get a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory association and as such, oblige firms listed with them to reimburse 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 checked. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request repayments. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or changed date is declared. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be requested via the original booking company.

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

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

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

Cinema closures

Numerous of the larger cinema chains have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For customers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

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

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

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

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but possibilities may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current conditions.

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

Weddings and special events could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is essential.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not conceivable, consisting any costs they have experienced 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’ liable when a product or service 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 contact 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 are the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery companies have announced delays on avoidable goods in favour of delivering medical supplies and vital items. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the items must be the initial point of contact.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that applies in different circumstances listed below.

However, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, covering 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 ordering items from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the dealertold
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose made known to the agent

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

Consumers who feel that  any of the above do not fit for their items and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, might be entitled to repair or replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

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

• Keep the products for a lesser rate
• Return the products for a reimbursement (total reimbursement in 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must suit the description given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during conversations on the phone or in person

If the customer feels that the items do not match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total re-payment if the goods have not been accepted (not used and problem noted instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the client to confirmverify that the products do not match the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies about refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the situation, and an administration charge might apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A helpful 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 planned travel which is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should contact the travel service for additional information on their individual conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has advised that every person in a foreign country should return back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still trapped without any means to get home.

The Government has implemented steps such as specially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, however this may take some time. For the moment, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those trapped in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is residing will give advice and help on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are generally revealed when a person is infected by coronavirus. This is available 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be found

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

People having travel insurance should get in touch with their service provider as the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is essential to contact friends and family to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those people stuck to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is also the option for those stuck to get in touch with their boss and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary assistance in some circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stranded do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has committed to making sure that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical supplies, food and water.

If cash runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in some situations. More info 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 stranded abroad, they should ascertain that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this till they return to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are working, they should be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

If they are employed, 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 country

The stranded person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for up to 4 weeks.

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

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments while abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or checking out:

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