The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and areas. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is totally indispensible Various airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are currently stuck abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision company will be employed for stuck citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Additional details on travelling abroad and current government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Whole cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening certainly for some consumers, but patrons can contact the company that they made reservations through for further clarification.

Flights and hotel reserved individually

Consumers are advised to call their hotels, asking for a refund/change in dates. Various airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are recommended to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial reimbursement in circumstances where other measures do not.

If consumers have organised travel to affected regions after a warning was announced in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are recommended to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some circumstances, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed situations, and owing to the current 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 worry to those customers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any extra charges for stay and any food required. For those consumers who have taken a reimbursement, then the duty of worry finishes here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to seek further support. Individual embassy locations can be found 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 released in regard to a country that the consumer picks to travel to, and the customer picks to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Consumers are urged 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 customer rights have been waived, 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 booked through an authorised booking site, then you should normally get 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 costs paid for delivery.

It is advised that for any other ticket retailer, 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 request reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

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

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

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

Patrons choosing not to be there – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the larger film franchises have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will resume, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as regular. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel charges

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

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but choices may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to provide the facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special events

Weddings and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a refund should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is vital.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not possible, comprising 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 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 provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers can contact their bank and attempt 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 few delivery firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded items for delivering medical items and essential products. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the products must be the first point of contact.

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

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is accessible by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the dealerdepited
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the idea explained to the agent

If asking for repair/replacement in the first 30 days, then the buyer enters the wait period with the remainder of the thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after replacement or repair.

Customers who think that  any of the above don’t fit for their goods and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  ordering, might be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without resulting in considerable problem

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

• Keep the goods for a reduced price
• Return the goods for a refund (total repayment in six 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 consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must suit 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 discussions over the call or in person

If the customer believes that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A complete reimbursement if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and defect noticed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to confirmverify that the products don’t go with the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the situation, and an administration fee may apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel that is no longer needed or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should contact the travel provider for more information on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everybody in a foreign land must return back to the United Kingdom, many are yet trapped with no means to get home.

The Government has taken measures such as specially chartered planes to help bring citizens home, however this may take time. Meanwhile, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those trapped abroad need to do.

If someone suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the client is staying will give advice and help on what to do if somebody has, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident should take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled 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 finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions necessary will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read 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 more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If an affordable air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional details on flying back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those people with travel insurance must contact their provider because the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel can even see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stuck must even keep themselves updated on the announcements from local travel companies.

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

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is even the option for those stranded to contact their employer and request for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary help in certain circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those stuck do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has promised to ensuring that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical supplies, food and water.

If money is over whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide financial aid in certain situations. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is looking after 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 look after this person until they return back.

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

If the trapped passenger has pressure regarding their job or self-employment

If they are employed, they must be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

If they are employed, 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 stuck in a foreign country

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for up to a 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 regardless of how long the citizen stays abroad.

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country 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