The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This comprises two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is totally essential Many airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will bring back citizens that are presently stuck abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision company will be used for stuck nationals to book and pay for the flight back home.

Further info on travelling abroad and current government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening certainly for some consumers, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Customers are suggested to contact their hotels, asking for a repayment/change in dates. Many airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reparation in situations where other means do not.

If patrons have organised travel to infected zones after a notice was announced in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed situations, and owing to the existing circumstances, problems arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those passengers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further expenses for accommodation and any food vital. For those patrons who have accepted a reimbursement, then the duty of worry ends here. It is then the obligation of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to seek more assistance. Specific embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in relation to a country that the traveller selects to go to, and the traveller chooses to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a reimbursement due. If you think that your consumer rights have been waived, 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 reserved by means of an certified booking site, then you must genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the particular company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request repayments. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is unsuitable, then a refund can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons deciding not to be there – If consumers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the larger film chains have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as normal. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are advised to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

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

Specific terms and conditions may differ, but options 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 incapable to offer the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special events

Marriages and special functions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is vital.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not probable, including any costs they have sustained 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 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, consumers can get in touch with 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 are the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on non-essential goods for delivering medical supplies and essential items. For extra information on orders placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the items should be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various situations below.

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is accessible by checking out 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 declares they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the traderexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the idea told to the trader

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

Buyers who believe that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their products and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, may be eligible for repair/replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without resulting in considerable trouble

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they may instead be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a reduced price
• Return the products for a repayment (complete repayment in 6 months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must suit the description provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during discussions over the phone or face to face

If the purchaser feels that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they might be entitled to;

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

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the goods do not go with the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was delivered verbally.

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

Scotrail are providing refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a little because of the circumstances, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel that is not needed or have planned travel to a cancelled function should contact the travel provider for more details on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Though the Government has recommended that everybody abroad must return to the UK, many are yet stranded without any way to get home.

The Government has taken measures like especially chartered flights to help get citizens home, however this may take some time. In the meantime, they have made numerous recommendation about what those people who are trapped in a foreign land should do.

If someone suffers or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is staying will give advice and help on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally shown when somebody has 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures mandatory will depend upon the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If an affordable flight home cannot be booked

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

Those people having travel insurance should get in touch with their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel may even see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to make sure they know that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to 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 employer and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial help in certain circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those trapped do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash is over whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide financial aid in a few circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to take care for somebody in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they should make sure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be asked to continue to do this till they come back to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to look after this person until they return.

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

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

If they are working, they must keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed about 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 request for for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension while stranded abroad

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land 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 13 weeks while in a foreign land.

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

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

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