The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This includes two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is totally essential Many airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to slow the spread of the virus.

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

Further details on going abroad and current government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some consumers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Customers are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a refund/change in dates. Several airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may payout financial compensation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected zones after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are urged to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, various insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain circumstances, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the present condition, problems arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those travellers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should also pay for any additional charges for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the obligation of care terminates here. It is then the obligation of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is possible, or where patrons feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain additional help. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained 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 warning issued in relation to a destination that the customer picks to travel to, and the customer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a repayment due. If you belive 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 via an authorised booking site, then you should normally receive a repayment.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or changed date is declared. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is not fitting, then a repayment can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Certain events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Consumers wishing not to show up – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the larger cinema groups have stated 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 greater groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as regular. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but options may be offered to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

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

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or managing 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 anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner 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 basis why a refund is not conceivable, consisting any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible when a service or product that has been paid for cannot be provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, clients can contact their bank and attempt 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. A couple of delivery firms have proclaimed delays on avoidable items in favour of shipping medical supplies and necessary products. For more details on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the products should be the first point of contact.

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

, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, 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 buying products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the agenttold
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the idea made known to the agent

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

Customers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their products and have passed the initial thirty days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical time frame
• Without causing significant trouble

If a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they may instead be entitled to:

• Keep the products for a reduced price
• Return the products for a reimbursement (complete reimbursement in 6 months or perhaps 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 suit the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone call or in person

If the purchaser believes that the items don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A total reimbursement if the items have not been accepted (not used and fault seen quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to prove that the products don’t go with the sellers description, which might be hard if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel services have different rules regarding re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might apply, depending on the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned a trip that is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a cancelled function should call the travel service for more info on their individual terms, including refund guidelines.

Although the Government has Informed that everyone abroad must return back to the United Kingdom, several are still stranded without any way to come back home.

The Government has taken measures like specially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, but this might take time. Meanwhile, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those stuck abroad must do.

If someone has or feels they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is staying will provide advice and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must take medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are normally shown when somebody 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions required will depend upon the region that the UK citizen is located. 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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If an affordable air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more information on going back home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those people with 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. People who cannot afford travel may even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are stranded should also keep themselves informed on the notice from local travel firms.

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

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is even the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their manager and request for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary aid in some situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stuck do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can even provide financial aid in some circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be asked to continue to do this till they return to the UK.

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

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

If the trapped passenger has pressure regarding their employment or self-employment

If they are employed, they must keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their situation.

If they are doing a job, they can however 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 stuck abroad

The stranded passenger will still attain 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 person is payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign country.

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

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign land can be answered 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