The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but necessary travel abroad, cities and locations. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is absolutely essential Several airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

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

Further details on going abroad and current government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Due a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

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

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Customers are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a repayment/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are advised to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial compensation in situations where other means do not.

If customers have arranged travel to affected zones after a caution was published in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are urged to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen situations, and due to the current condition, concerns surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those passengers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must furthermore pay for any extra expenses for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have received a reimbursement, then the duty of care terminates here. It is then the duty of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where customers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek further support. Specific embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice released in relation to a destination that the customer picks to journey to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no automatic right to repayment.

Consumers are insisted to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is necessary or a refund due. If you belive 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 through an authorised booking site, then you must normally obtain a repayment.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the business who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for refunds. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

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

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

Specific events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers deciding not to show up – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the greater movie groups have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as normal. Others are instructing that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Individual terms and conditions may vary, but possibilities may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

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

Weddings and special occasions could possibly be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the service or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or individual who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is essential.

For anything 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, comprising any costs they have experienced 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’ accountable when a product or service 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 remain unchanged during the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery companies have proclaimed delays on unnecessary goods in favour of shipping medical supplies and essential items. For additional info on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the goods must be the first point of contact.

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

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, 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 ordering goods from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealertold
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the idea explained to the seller

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

Purchasers who believe that  any of the above do not apply to their items and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, might be eligible for replacement or repair which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without causing significant trouble

In case a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they might rather be permitted to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lesser rate
• Return the items for a repayment (total repayment within 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must match the explanation given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone call or personally

If the buyer believes that the goods do not match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A full reimbursement if the items have not been accepted (not used and fault noticed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules regarding reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A useful 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 a trip that is no longer required or have booked travel to a annulled function should get in touch with the travel service for more details on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has suggested that everyone in a foreign country should return back to the United Kingdom, several are still trapped without any way to get home.

The Government has adopted steps such as specially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, but this may take some time. In the meantime, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what people who are stuck in a foreign land must do.

If someone suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is residing will give advice and assistance on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when someone is infected by coronavirus. This is available 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 additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 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 upon the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by visiting:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be booked

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

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

UK citizens who find themselves trapped should even keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel companies.

It is essential to contact friends and family to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to those people stuck to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / financial support

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

If cash runs out, or those stuck do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If cash runs out whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can as well offer monetary aid in some situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to take care for a relative in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this until they return to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are working, they should keep in contact with their manager wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

If they are doing a job, 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.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign country

The stranded person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for up to 4 weeks.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each one is payable for 13 weeks while in a foreign country.

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

Any queries or doubts about benefit payments whilst in a foreign land can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or clicking:

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