The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel abroad, towns and locations. This comprises two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is totally essential Various airlines are now declaring terminations 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 increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are presently stuck abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel management company will be used for marooned citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More information on travelling abroad and current government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their destination – Due a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

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

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Patrons are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/modification in dates. Various airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial reparation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If customers have arranged travel to affected regions after a notice was announced in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are recommended to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen conditions, and owing to the existing condition, concerns occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those passengers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any extra expenses for stay and any food vital. For those consumers who have received a repayment, then the duty of concern ends here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain additional assistance. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in relation to a country that the customer selects to travel to, and the customer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to repayment.

Customers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a refund due. If you belive that your customer rights have been breached, 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 ought to normally get a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to ask for repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a postponed or changed date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

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

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

Cinema closings

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

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once service resumes as regular. Others are recommending that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are instucted to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been expenditures paid 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 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 unable to offer the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special functions

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or person who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is vital.

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 reimbursement is not possible, including any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the consumer.

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 service or product 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 contact their bank and attempt to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery firms have proclaimed delays on non-essential items for delivering medical supplies and necessary products. For additional info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the items should be the initial point of contact.

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

Nonetheless, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is accessible by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing items from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the sellermentioned
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose told to the dealer

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

Purchasers who believe that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their items and have exceeded the first 30 days after  ordering, may be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

In case a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they may rather be entitled to:

• Keep the items for a reduced rate
• Return back the goods for a repayment (full reimbursement within six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is purchased from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the goods 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 on the call or in person

If the customer feels that the items do not go with the seller’s description, then they might be eligible for;

• A complete re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and problem noted immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to prove that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was given in words.

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

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a little because of the situation, and an administration fee may apply, depending on the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned travel which is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a annulled event should call the travel service for more information on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has recommended that every person in a foreign land should return to the UK, several are yet stranded without any means to come back home.

The Government has implemented steps such as especially chartered planes to help bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For the moment, they have made numerous recommendation about what those stranded abroad must do.

If somebody suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the client is staying will give advice and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are typically shown when somebody is infected by 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures necessary will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by checking out:

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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If an affordable flight home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for more info on going back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

People with travel insurance must get in touch with their provider as the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel can even see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is essential to contact family and friends to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is even the option for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary help in certain circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If money runs out whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can as well offer monetary aid in certain situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they should ascertain that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to continue to do this until they fly back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they should keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

If they are working, 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.

Benefits or state pension while trapped abroad

The trapped passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around 4 weeks.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for thirteen weeks whilst abroad.

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

Any queries or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or checking out:

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