The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, cities and regions. This includes two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries except if it is totally vital Many airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are presently stuck abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel administration firm will be utilized for stuck nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further details on travelling abroad and existing government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Complete expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening certainly for some patrons, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Consumers are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a refund/change in dates. Several airlines are letting passengers 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 advised to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial compensation in situations where other ways do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to affected regions after a warning was published in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are recommended to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company promptly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in some conditions, have changed cover as a outcome of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen situations, and due to the current circumstances, issues occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those passengers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further expenses for stay and any food required. For those consumers who have taken a repayment, then the responsibility of worry ends here. It is then the duty of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is conceivable, or where patrons feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to get further help. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in regard to a destination that the customer selects to travel to, and the consumer selects to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are insisted to check policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you belive 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 through an certified booking site, then you should usually get a reimbursement.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or revised date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is unsuitable, then a repayment can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons wishing not to show up – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

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

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

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to offer the amenity due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special events

Marriages and special occasions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should define in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, including 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 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, clients 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 remain the same during the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery companies have announced delays on non-essential goods for transporting medical supplies and essential goods. For extra information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the products should be the initial contact point.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different situations mentioned below.

Nonetheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is available by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While buying goods from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealermentioned
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the trader

If asking for replacement or repair in the 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  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their products and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  purchase, might be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical timescale
• Without leading to considerable difficulty

If a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they might rather be entitled to:

• Keep the goods for a reduced price
• Return the merchandise for a refund (complete reimbursement in 6 months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during discussions on the call or face to face

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

• A full refund if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what was paid and what the products are really worth

The burden of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the products don’t match the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may apply, depending upon the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned a trip which is no longer necessary or have planned travel to a annulled event should call the travel service for additional info on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has recommended that every person in a foreign country should return back to the UK, a lot are still trapped without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures like especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, however this may take time. For the timebeing, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what those people who are stuck in a foreign land should do.

If somebody has or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is residing will give suggestion and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident should take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when a person is infected by 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 information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions required will depend on the area that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be booked

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

Those having 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 return home. Those who can’t afford travel can also see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is important to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary assistance

There is also the choice for those stranded to contact their boss and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial assistance in certain circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people stranded do not have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If money is over whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can as well provide monetary aid in a few situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to take care for somebody back in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they should ensure that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this till they fly back to the UK.

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

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, 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 stuck in a foreign country

The stranded person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land 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 whilst in a foreign country.

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country 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