The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is absolutely essential Several airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several 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 plan special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are presently marooned abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration company will be employed for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

More details on travelling abroad and current government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their region – Due a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Whole amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some consumers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Patrons are advised to contact their hotels, requesting a repayment/change in dates. Many airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are recommended to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial reparation in situations where other means do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to affected zones after a warning was issued in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several circumstances, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen conditions, and owing to the existing situation, concerns surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those travellers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any additional charges for housing and any food vital. For those customers who have accepted a refund, then the duty of concern finishes here. It is then the obligation of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

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

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in regard to a country that the consumer picks to go to, and the consumer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Travellers are urged to certify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you think 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 through an authorised booking site, then you ought to normally obtain a repayment.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the particular 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 case to request refunds. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a rescheduled or changed date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

Individual events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Customers deciding 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 franchises have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as normal. Others are instructing that they will be resting payments for memberships. Customers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but choices may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the amenity due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special events

Weddings and special events could possibly be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, 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 organiser around postponing the event is key.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should outline in detail the basis why a repayment is not probable, comprising any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the buyer.

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 service or product 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 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 scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected during the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on avoidable products in favour of delivering medical supplies and necessary products. For more information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the products must be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that is valid in different circumstances below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the traderdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the agent

If requesting for replacement or repair within first thirty days, then the consumer enters the wait period with the remaining 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Customers who feel that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their products and have exceeded the first 30 days after  ordering, may be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without resulting in significant problem

In case a replacement or repair is not possible then they may rather be entitled to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lower rate
• Return the items for a repayment (complete repayment within six months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must match the description provided by the seller. This includes:

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

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

• A total re-payment if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and issue observed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the goods are worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to prove that the items do not match the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was delivered verbally.

Rail companies and travel services have different policies about reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the situation, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned a trip that is not needed or have planned travel to a cancelled event should contact the travel service for more info on their individual conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has Informed that everybody in a foreign country must come back to the UK, several are yet stuck with no means to get back home.

The Government has adopted steps like especially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, however this might take time. For the timebeing, they have made a lot of recommendation about what people who are trapped abroad should do.

If somebody has or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the client is staying will provide advice and help on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen must take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally revealed 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 area where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions required will depend upon the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, check out 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 contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional info on transport home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those people having travel insurance should contact their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel could even see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is important to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those stuck to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary support

There is also the option for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and request for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary help in some situations. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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 stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well offer financial help in certain circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they must ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

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

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.

Benefits or state pension while stuck abroad

The stranded passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around 4 weeks.

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

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen has been in a foreign land.

Any queries 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