The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel abroad, towns and regions. This includes 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 to foreign countries except if it is absolutely vital Various airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return citizens that are currently stranded abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration firm will be used for marooned citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

More details on going abroad and present government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their destination – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Whole amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved separately

Consumers are advised to call their hotels, asking for a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial reimbursement in conditions where other measures do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to infected zones after a notice was announced in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are recommended to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in several circumstances, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented conditions, and due to the existing situation, issues arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those passengers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must also pay for any additional costs for accommodation and any food essential. For those customers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the obligation of care terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain more help. 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 warning published in relation to a country that the customer chooses to go to, and the traveller picks to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Customers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been waived, 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 by means of an certified booking site, then you must normally obtain a refund.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory association and as such, compel 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 retailer, the particular 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 instance to ask for repayments. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or altered date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is not fitting, then a refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons deciding not to attend – If consumers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the larger film chains have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further communication. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service resumes as regular. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

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

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to provide the facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a refund should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special occasions

Weddings and special events could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company providing the service or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the buyer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is essential.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should define in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, comprising 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’ liable when a service or product that has been paid for cannot be delivered.

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 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. Some delivery firms have announced delays on non-essential items for transporting medical supplies and essential goods. For more info on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the items must be the first contact point.

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

However, a more inclusive 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

When buying goods from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the purpose told to the trader

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/replacement.

Customers who believe that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their items and have passed the first 30 days after  ordering, can be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without causing considerable problem

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

• Keep the items for a lesser rate
• Return back the products for a reimbursement (total repayment within six months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is bought from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must match the explanation provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone call or in person

If the purchaser believes that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total refund if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to prove that the products do not go with the sellers description, which might be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are giving refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip which is not needed or have planned travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel service for more info on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has advised that everyone abroad should come back to the UK, many are still stuck with no way to get home.

The Government has implemented steps such as especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, however this might take some time. For the timebeing, they have made several recommendation regarding what those people who are stranded abroad need to do.

If someone has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the client is staying will give suggestion and assistance on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically shown when a person 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend on the region 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 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 information 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 flight to home cannot be found

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

Those people having travel insurance must get in touch with their service provider as the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel could even check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stuck should even keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is important to contact friends and family to make sure they know that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to those people stuck to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary support

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their boss and ask for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary assistance in some situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

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

The UK Government has committed to ensuring that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical essentials, water and food.

If money runs out whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in a few situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign land, they must make sure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be requested to continue to do this until they return to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to take care of this person until they come back.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they can still be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign land

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around 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 country.

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

Any queries or doubts about benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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