The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This entails two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is totally vital Many airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that several countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are currently marooned abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel administration firm will be used for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

Additional info on travelling abroad and present government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers 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 being part of a holiday package

Entire cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they made reservations through for further clarification.

Flights and hotel reserved individually

Customers are advised to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are recommended to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial reimbursement in conditions where other ways do not.

If customers have organised travel to affected areas after a warning was issued in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are recommended to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented conditions, and owing to the current circumstances, problems arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those customers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any extra costs for stay and any food vital. For those customers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the duty of care ends here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to arrange travel back to the UK.

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

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in regard to a country that the customer picks to go to, and the traveller picks to call off their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a repayment due. If you think that your consumer rights have been breached, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and guidance.

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 must normally get a repayment.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or changed date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is not fitting, then a repayment can be requested through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers choosing not to show up – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is small likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the greater film chains have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

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

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but options may be proposed to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to offer the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a reimbursement should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special functions

Weddings and special functions could possibly be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is essential.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the planner should outline in detail the basis why a repayment is not probable, 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 consumers for purchases 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 delivered.

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

Consumer rights are unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on non-essential goods for transporting medical items and vital items. For more details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods should be the first point of contact.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different circumstances below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering merchandise from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the purpose told to the dealer

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

Customers who think that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their items and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  purchase, might be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical time frame
• Without causing considerable trouble

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

• Keep the goods for a lesser rate
• Return the items for a refund (full refund in six months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must match the description given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during conversations on the call or in person

If the purchaser believes that the items do not go with the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A total reimbursement if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and issue seen instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the items do not go with the sellers description, which could be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies about re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

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

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel which is no longer needed or have booked travel to a annulled event should get in touch with the travel service for more details on their individual terms, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone in a foreign land must return to the United Kingdom, several are yet stranded without any way to get home.

The Government has adopted measures such as especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, but this might take time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous recommendation about what people who are stuck in a foreign land need to do.

If someone has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the client is staying will provide suggestion and help on what to do if somebody suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen must seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally displayed when somebody is suffering from 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 contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend on the location 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 located by visiting:

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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a inexpensive flight home cannot be found

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

People having travel insurance must contact their service provider as the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel may even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are stuck must even keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel firms.

It is important to contact family and friends to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those stuck to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is also the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their manager and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial help in a few circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those trapped do not have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If cash is over whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can also offer financial aid in some situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for someone back in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they must make sure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be asked to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they should be in touch with their manager wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

If they are employed, they can still 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 trapped abroad

The stranded passenger will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for up to a month.

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 land.

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 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