The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign countries, towns and locations. 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 currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is utterly indispensible Various airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will return residents that are presently stranded abroad. Further information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration firm will be utilized for marooned nationals to book and pay for the flight back home.

Further info on travelling abroad and present government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Complete amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening certainly for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Patrons are advised to contact their hotels, asking for a compensation/adjustment 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 lose out.

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are advised to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial reparation in situations where other means do not.

If patrons have planned travel to infected regions after a notice was issued in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are advised to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, many insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in several situations, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen conditions, and due to the present circumstances, issues arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those customers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should also pay for any extra charges for accommodation and any food vital. For those patrons who have taken a refund, then the responsibility of worry finishes here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to arrange travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where consumers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present location to seek further help. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in regard to a destination that the traveller chooses to travel to, and the customer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Travellers are urged to certify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a repayment due. If you think that your consumer 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 reserved by means of an certified booking site, then you ought to normally get a reimbursement.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the business who originally 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 postponed.

Rescheduled events

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

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

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

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

Cinema cessations

Several of the larger movie chains have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once service resumes as regular. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been expenditures suffered for hotels and travel, then the companies for every one of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Individual terms and conditions may vary, but options may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to provide the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special events

Weddings and special functions could possibly be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the service or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is key.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not conceivable, including any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients 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 try 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 are unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded products in favour of delivering medical items and essential goods. For extra information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods must be the initial point of contact.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in different situations mentioned below.

But, a more inclusive 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

When buying goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

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

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

Purchasers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their items and have gone beyond the first thirty days after  purchase, may be entitled to repair/replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without resulting in significant trouble

If a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they might instead be permitted to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must match the description provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an email or text
Any description during conversations on the call or in person

If the purchaser believes that the products do not go with the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total refund if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and defect noticed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what was paid and what the products are really worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the goods do not match the sellers description, which might be hard if the description was delivered verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies regarding re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A useful 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 which is no longer required or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should get in touch with the travel provider for more information on their individual terms and conditions, including refund guidelines.

Although the Government has recommended that every person abroad must return to the United Kingdom, several are still stuck without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures such as specially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this may take time. For now, they have made a lot of suggestions about what those stranded abroad need to do.

If someone has or believes they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is staying will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are typically shown 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 more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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 upon the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. 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 contact the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a inexpensive air flight home cannot be found

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

Those with travel insurance should contact their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is important to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / financial assistance

There is also the option for those stuck to contact their boss and ask for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary aid in certain circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or people stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If money runs out whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide monetary help in some circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger has to take care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they must make sure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they come back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they should contact their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their situation.

If they are employed, they can however 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 trapped abroad

The stranded passenger will still get 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 person 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 land 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