The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign countries, cities and regions. This entails two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is totally indispensible Various airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered planes. 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 dedicated travel supervision company will be utilized for marooned citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on travelling abroad and existing government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening certainly for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved individually

Patrons are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a refund/change in dates. Several airlines are letting travellers 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 urged to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial reimbursement in circumstances where other means do not.

If patrons have planned travel to affected areas after a notice was published in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are urged to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in several conditions, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented circumstances, and due to the existing situation, problems occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those customers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further charges for accommodation and any food vital. For those customers who have received a reimbursement, then the obligation of concern finishes here. It is then the duty of the passenger to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain additional assistance. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in relation to a country that the customer picks to journey to, and the traveller selects to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to reimbursement.

Customers are urged to certify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a reimbursement due. If you belive that your customer rights have been violated, 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 through an authorised booking site, then you ought to usually receive a reimbursement.

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 price when an event is cancelled. This does not include the costs incurred for delivery.

It is advised that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the company who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request reimbursements. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or changed date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is unsuitable, then a refund 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.

Individual events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers choosing not to attend – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the larger cinema groups have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will continue, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once service 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 informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for every one of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities 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 incompetent to deliver the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special occasions

Weddings and special occasions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a repayment should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is vital.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should outline in detail the reason why a refund is not conceivable, consisting any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ accountable 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, buyers can get in touch with their bank and attempt 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 remain unchanged throughout the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on non-essential products in favour of delivering medical items and vital goods. For additional information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods must be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the important consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations listed below.

But, a complete 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 products from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the dealerdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Fit for the idea made known to the trader

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

Purchasers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their goods and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, can be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without causing significant difficulty

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they might instead be entitled to:

• Keep the items for a reduced rate
• Return the products for a reimbursement (full repayment in 6 months or partial repayment 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 declares the goods must match the explanation provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations on the call or in person

If the customer believes that the items don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A full refund if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and fault observed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the goods do not go with the sellers description, which could be tough if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies regarding reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit because of the situation, and an administration fee might be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel which is not required or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should call the travel provider for more info on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Though the Government has advised that everybody in a foreign country must come back to the United Kingdom, several are still trapped without any way to get home.

The Government has implemented measures like especially chartered planes to help get citizens home, however this might take some time. In the meanwhile, they have made numerous suggestions regarding what those stranded abroad must do.

If someone suffers or believes they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is staying will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident must seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when a person is suffering from coronavirus. This is available 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 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 mandatory will depend on the region that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found 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 find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a reasonably priced flight home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for more details on flying back home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those with travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel can even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are trapped should also keep themselves updated on the announcements from local travel firms.

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stuck to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is even the choice for those trapped to contact their employer and ask for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary help in a few circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those trapped do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has promised to guaranteeing that British citizens in foreign country have access to accommodation, medical essentials, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can as well offer monetary aid in certain situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for somebody back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they should ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be asked to continue to do this till they return to the UK.

They may request friends or family to look after this person until they come back.

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

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

If they are employed, they must contact their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their situation.

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

Benefits or state pension while stranded in a foreign land

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around one month.

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 country.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen stays abroad.

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst 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 checking out:

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