The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel abroad, cities and locations. This includes two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely essential Various airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back residents that are currently stuck abroad. Further information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration firm will be used for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight home.

More 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 region – Owed a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Complete expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights booked individually

Patrons are suggested to call their hotels, requesting a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

In situations where the hotel and site are functioning, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may miss out.

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial compensation in conditions where other means do not.

If customers have organised travel to infected zones after a notice was issued in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Consumers are urged to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain situations, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed situations, and owing to the present circumstances, issues arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of worry to those passengers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any additional charges for housing and any food essential. For those patrons who have taken a repayment, then the responsibility of care terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is possible, or where consumers feel stranded, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to seek additional assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in regard to a country that the traveller chooses to journey to, and the customer selects to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Customers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is necessary or a refund due. If you feel that your customer rights have been breached, 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 authorised booking site, then you should usually get a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, 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 case to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a rescheduled or revised date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is not fitting, then a repayment can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Certain events may be different, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers deciding not to be there – If customers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Numerous of the big cinema chains have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly charges will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities resumes as usual. Others are advising that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel costs

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been expenditures paid for hotels and travel, then the companies for each of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent situations.

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

Weddings and special occasions could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the service or arranging cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or person who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is vital.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not possible, comprising 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 buyers for orders 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, buyers can get in touch with their bank and try 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 unchanged during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery companies have declared delays on uneeded products in favour of delivering medical supplies and necessary products. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the items should be the very first contact point.

We have explained the key consumer rights legislation that applies in different circumstances listed below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the sellerexplained
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose told to the seller

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

Consumers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their products and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, may be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without causing significant trouble

In case a replacement or repair is not possible then they may instead be entitled to:

• Keep the items for a lesser price
• Return back the goods for a reimbursement (total repayment in six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must go with the explanation given by the seller. This incorporates:

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

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

• A total reimbursement if the items have not been accepted (not used and fault noted instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the items do not go with the sellers description, that can be tough if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules about reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are giving refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the situation, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending upon 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 booked a trip which is no longer necessary or have planned travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel service for more info on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone abroad must return to the United Kingdom, a lot are still stuck without any means to get home.

The Government has taken steps such as especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, however this might take some time. Meanwhile, they have made several recommendation regarding what those people who are stuck in a foreign country need to do.

If somebody has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the client is staying will give advice and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are normally revealed when a person 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 additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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 area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by checking out:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for additional details on flying back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those people having travel insurance must get in touch with their service provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel may even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are stranded should even keep themselves updated on the announcements from local travel firms.

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

Employment & perks / financial assistance

There is even the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their manager and ask for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary aid in certain situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

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

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

If money is over whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can also offer monetary aid in certain circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they should ensure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they return to the UK.

They could ask friends or family to take care of this person until they return.

If no other 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 doing a job, they must be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

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.

Benefits or state pension while stranded in a foreign land

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

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 land.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen has been in a foreign country.

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments while abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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