The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and areas. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel abroad unless it is absolutely vital Several airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return citizens that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel management company will be utilized for stuck nationals to book and pay for the flight back home.

More information on going abroad and current government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

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

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Consumers are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reparation in circumstances where other means do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to infected regions after a warning was announced in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are urged to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, many insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed situations, and due to the existing circumstances, issues arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

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

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to seek more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in regard to a destination that the consumer selects to journey to, and the customer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Customers are insisted to check policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider 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 assistance.

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 via an authorised booking site, then you ought to normally receive a reimbursement.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket seller, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the company who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request repayments. 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 rearranged or altered date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers deciding not to be there – If customers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the larger cinema groups have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as usual. Others are advising 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 charges

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the businesses for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

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

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

Weddings and special functions could possibly 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 protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around postponing the event is key.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not probable, including 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 consumers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible 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 remain the same throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery companies have announced delays on non-essential products in favour of delivering medical supplies and essential products. For additional info on orders placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the products must be the initial contact point.

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

But, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is available by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering merchandise from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentdescribed
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the idea made known to the seller

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

Consumers who believe that  any of the above don’t apply to their products and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  ordering, may be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

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

If a repair or replacement isn’t possible then they might instead be entitled to:

• Keep the items for a lower price
• Return back the goods for a refund (total refund within 6 months or perhaps partial refund 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 claims the goods must match the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

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

If the purchaser thinks that the products do not go with the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A full re-payment if the goods have not been accepted (not used and defect noted quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the products do not match the sellers description, that could be hard if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies regarding refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a little because of the situation, and an administration charge might apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked a trip which is no longer required or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should get in touch with the travel provider for additional details on their individual conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Though the Government has recommended that everybody abroad must come back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still trapped with no means to get back home.

The Government has taken steps like especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this might take time. For the moment, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those stuck abroad need to do.

If somebody has or thinks they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the client is residing will give suggestion and help on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident must take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are generally shown when someone 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, 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 coming to an end, the measures mandatory will depend upon 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 located by checking out:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate 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 instead visit:

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

If a reasonably priced flight home cannot be booked

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

Those having travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel may even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

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

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is even the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their employer and ask for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary aid in a few circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can also provide financial help in some situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to take care for someone back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this until they fly back to the UK.

They may request friends or family to take care of this person until they return.

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

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

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

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

Perks or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign country

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

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

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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