The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel abroad, cities and locations. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly 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 except if it is absolutely vital Many airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration firm will be used for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

Additional information on going abroad and present government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Entire cost of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Flights and hotel booked independantly

Consumers are advised to call their hotels, requesting a repayment/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial reimbursement in situations where other measures do not.

If consumers have planned travel to affected zones after a notice was announced in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are urged to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have changed cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented circumstances, and due to the existing condition, concerns occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those travellers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any additional charges for housing and any food vital. For those consumers who have received a refund, then the duty of concern terminates here. It is then the duty of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present locality to get additional help. Specific embassy locations can be acquired 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 notice issued in relation to a destination that the customer selects to travel to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Consumers are insisted to verify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you think that your customer rights have been waived, 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 through an certified booking site, then you ought to genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

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

Postponed events

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

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

Individual events may differ, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers wishing not to attend – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the greater movie franchises have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already bought tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as normal. 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.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to provide the facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special events

Marriages and special occasions could probably be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the service or organising cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not conceivable, including any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the consumer.

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’ 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, consumers 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 scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical companies have announced delays on unnecessary goods for shipping medical supplies and necessary goods. For more information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the goods should be the initial contact point.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in various situations listed below.

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is accessible by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

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

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose explained to the dealer

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

Buyers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their goods and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  purchase, can be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic time frame
• Without causing significant problem

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

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced price
• Return back the items for a repayment (full reimbursement within 6 months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must match the explanation given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone or face to face

If the purchaser believes that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they might be entitled to;

• A complete reimbursement if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and issue observed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover 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 confirmverify that the products don’t go with the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was delivered orally.

Rail companies and travel services have different guidelines regarding re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked a trip that is not necessary or have booked travel to a cancelled function should contact the travel provider for more info on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Though the Government has suggested that every person abroad must return back to the UK, a lot are still stranded with no means to get back home.

The Government has taken measures such as especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, however this might take time. For the timebeing, they have made several suggestions regarding what people who are stranded in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody suffers or believes they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is residing will provide advice and help on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident must seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are typically 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 region where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions mandatory will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If in doubt, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by visiting:

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 more details on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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 additional info on transport home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those with travel insurance must contact their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel may even check if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is important to contact family and friends to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary support

There is also the choice for those trapped to contact their manager and ask for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary aid in certain situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stranded don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If money is over whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide monetary help in certain situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they must make sure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they come back to the UK.

They could ask friends or family to look after this person till they fly back.

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

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

If they are employed, they should contact their boss wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

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.

Perks or state pension whilst stranded in a foreign country

The trapped person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for up to one 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 abroad.

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

Any questions 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 visiting:

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