The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign land, towns and areas. This comprises two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely vital Many airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return residents that are presently stuck abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision company will be employed for stuck citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More information on going abroad and current government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their destination – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Whole expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some customers, but customers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved independantly

Consumers are advised to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a compensation/change in dates. Several airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

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

If consumers have organised travel to affected zones after a warning was issued in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some situations, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and owing to the existing situation, problems arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of worry to those travellers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any extra expenses for stay and any food vital. For those customers who have received a refund, then the obligation of worry ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is conceivable, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to get further assistance. Specific embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in relation to a destination that the customer chooses to travel to, and the consumer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to reimbursement.

Customers are insisted to verify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is necessary or a repayment due. If you feel that your customer rights have been breached, 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 via an authorised booking site, then you ought to usually get a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the individual company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the business who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or altered date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers wishing not to attend – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the big movie groups have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further communication. For customers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

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

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs suffered for hotels and travel, then the establishments for each of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to deliver the facility due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a refund should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special functions could probably be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is vital.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should outline in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not possible, comprising any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the customer.

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 entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, clients can get in touch with 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 unaffected throughout the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery firms have announced delays on avoidable products in favour of transporting medical supplies and necessary products. For additional details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the items must be the first contact point.

We have explained the key consumer rights legislation that applies in various circumstances listed below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering items from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the seller

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

Buyers who feel that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their items and have exceeded the initial 30 days after  ordering, might be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

If a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they may rather be entitled to:

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced price
• Return back the goods for a reimbursement (full refund within six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone or in person

If the customer feels that the products do not go with the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A complete re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and fault noted instantly)
• 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 purchaser to confirmverify that the goods don’t match the sellers description, which can be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different rules regarding refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has changed 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 available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is not essential or have booked travel to a cancelled event should contact the travel service for more info on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Although the Government has recommended that everyone abroad must come back to the United Kingdom, many are yet trapped with no means to get back home.

The Government has implemented measures like especially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, however this may take time. Meanwhile, they have made several suggestions regarding what people who are stuck in a foreign country must do.

If somebody suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the customer is staying will provide advice and guidance on what to do if someone has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when someone has 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that nation 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 contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a inexpensive air flight home cannot be found

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

People with travel insurance should get in touch with their provider as the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel may also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped must even keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is vital to contact family and friends to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their manager and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial help in some situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or people trapped do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / 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 money is over whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can also provide financial aid in a few situations. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to take care for a relative back in the UK

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they come back to the UK.

They may request friends or family to look after this person till they fly back.

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

If the stranded passenger has pressure about their job or self-employment

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

If they are employed, 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 whilst stranded in a foreign country

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

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

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen stays in a foreign land.

Any questions or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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