The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but necessary travel to foreign land, cities and areas. This entails two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely vital Various airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will return residents that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision company will be used for stranded nationals to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further info on going abroad and existing government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening certainly for some consumers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved individually

Patrons are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a repayment/modification in dates. Several airlines are allowing commuters 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

Customers are urged to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial reimbursement in circumstances where other means do not.

If consumers have planned travel to affected regions after a caution was published in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are advised to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some circumstances, have altered 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 present situation, problems surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any additional costs for housing and any food vital. For those consumers who have taken a refund, then the responsibility of care ends here. It is then the duty of the traveller to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is conceivable, or where customers feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present locality to get further help. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Customers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in relation to a destination that the customer chooses to go to, and the consumer selects to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to reimbursement.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary or a repayment due. If you belive that your customer rights have been violated, 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 authorised booking site, then you should usually obtain a reimbursement.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the specific company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for repayments. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or changed date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is incompatible, then a repayment can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Customers choosing not to show up – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Numerous of the big film franchises have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service resumes as regular. Others are recommending that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are advised to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel costs

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for all of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but possibilities may be offered to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to recent conditions.

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

Marriages and special functions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a repayment should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is key.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should outline in detail the reason why a refund is not possible, including any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ accountable when a service or product that has been paid for cannot be provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers 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 plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on unnecessary products in favour of shipping medical supplies and vital products. For additional info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the goods must be the initial point of contact.

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

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is available by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the idea told to the trader

If asking for replacement or repair in the first thirty days, then the buyer enters the wait period with the remaining thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Purchasers who believe that  any of the above don’t apply to their goods and have exceeded the first thirty days after  purchase, can be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without leading to significant trouble

If a repair or replacement is not possible then they may rather be entitled to:

• Keep the products for a reduced rate
• Return back the goods for a repayment (total repayment in six months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must go with the description provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an email or text
Any description during discussions over the phone call or personally

If the customer feels that the items do not match the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A complete refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault seen immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what was paid and what the items are really worth

The burden of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the goods don’t match the sellers description, which might be difficult if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel providers have different guidelines about re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the situation, and an administration charge may apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned travel that is not required or have booked travel to a annulled event should call the travel provider for more information on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Though the Government has recommended that everyone in a foreign land must return to the UK, a lot are yet stranded without any means to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures like especially chartered planes to help bring citizens home, but this might take time. For the moment, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what those trapped in a foreign country must do.

If somebody has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is residing will provide suggestion and help on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen must take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally displayed when a person 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 region where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions necessary will depend on the area that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, look at 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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a inexpensive flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional information on transport home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those people having travel insurance must contact their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel can even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / financial aid

There is even the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their employer and ask for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial help in certain circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well provide monetary help in certain situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to care for somebody in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign land, they must ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are working, they must contact their employer wherever possible to keep them updated on their condition.

If they are working, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension while stuck abroad

The trapped person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad 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 13 weeks whilst in a foreign country.

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

Any questions or doubts regarding benefit payments while abroad can be responed 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