The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign land, cities and areas. This entails two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is totally vital Several airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return citizens that are currently stranded abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration firm will be utilized for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

More details on going abroad and current government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Entire amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for additional clarification.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Consumers are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are recommended to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial reimbursement in situations where other means do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected zones after a warning was published in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are recommended to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented conditions, and owing to the existing condition, problems arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those passengers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any extra expenses for accommodation and any food required. For those customers who have received a refund, then the responsibility of concern ends here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain further help. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in relation to a destination that the traveller picks to journey to, and the traveller selects to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are insisted to certify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is wanted or a refund due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 booked by means of an official booking site, then you ought to usually obtain 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 amount when an event is cancelled. This does not comprise the charges paid for delivery.

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the specific 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 instance to request 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 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 not fitting, then a repayment can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Customers choosing not to attend – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the big movie franchises have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as usual. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Customers are advised to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs incurred for hotels and travel, then the companies for all of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the amenity due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special functions

Marriages and special functions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not probable, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the customer.

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 delivered.

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 and 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 unchanged during the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery companies have announced delays on uneeded products for transporting medical items and essential products. For extra information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the items should be the very first contact point.

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

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is accessible by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

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

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the agentmentioned
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the purpose explained to the seller

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

Consumers who feel that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their products and have exceeded the initial 30 days after  purchase, can be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without resulting in significant trouble

If a repair/replacement is not possible then they may instead be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a reduced rate
• Return back the items for a reimbursement (complete refund 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 buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must suit the description provided by the seller. This includes:

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

If the customer feels that the products don’t match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total re-payment if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and issue noticed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods do not match the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was delivered in words.

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

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration fee may apply, depending upon 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 people who have booked travel which is not required or have booked travel to a annulled event should call the travel service for more information on their individual conditions, including refund guidelines.

Though the Government has recommended that everybody abroad must return to the United Kingdom, a lot are yet stranded with no means to get back home.

The Government has taken steps like especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For the timebeing, they have made numerous recommendation about what those people who are stranded abroad should do.

If someone has or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the buyer is residing will give advice and assistance on what to do if someone has, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen must take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are normally shown when a person 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 area 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 closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary will depend on the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, 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

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 call on 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a inexpensive flight home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional details on transport home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip home.

People with travel insurance should get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel can even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped must also keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel companies.

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

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is also the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their boss and request for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial assistance in some circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those stuck do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash is over whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can as well provide monetary assistance in a few situations. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for a relative in the UK

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

They could request friends or family to look after this person till they come back.

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

If the trapped passenger has worries about their employment or self-employment

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

If they are employed, 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 in a foreign country

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

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for thirteen weeks whilst abroad.

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

Any queries or concerns about 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