The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This comprises two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly 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 utterly indispensible Various airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will return nationals that are currently stranded abroad. More information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision firm will be used for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Whole amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening certainly for some consumers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for further clarification.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Customers are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a refund/modification in dates. Several airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are advised to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial compensation in situations where other means do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to affected zones after a notice was announced in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are urged to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain circumstances, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen conditions, and due to the present circumstances, issues occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those passengers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any extra charges for stay and any food vital. For those consumers who have taken a refund, then the obligation of concern ends here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is possible, or where customers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain additional assistance. 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 caution published in relation to a country that the customer chooses to travel to, and the customer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to reimbursement.

Consumers are insisted to check policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is necessary or a repayment due. If you belive that your customer rights have been violated, 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 receive a reimbursement.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or altered date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is unsuitable, then a repayment can be requested through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers deciding not to attend – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the big film franchises have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as normal. Others are advising that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

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

Specific terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent conditions.

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

Weddings and special events could possibly be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is essential.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a reimbursement is not possible, including any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the buyer.

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’ responsible 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, consumers 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 remain unchanged during the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery firms have announced delays on avoidable goods for shipping medical items and vital goods. For additional info on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods must be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the important consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different circumstances mentioned below.

Nevertheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is available by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering items from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the tradertold
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the purpose told to the agent

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

Purchasers who believe that  any of the above do not apply to their items and have exceeded the initial thirty days after  purchase, can be entitled to repair or replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without leading to significant difficulty

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

• Keep the products for a lower rate
• Return the items for a repayment (full refund in six months or 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 covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must suit the description provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during conversations over the phone or in person

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

• A total re-payment if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and defect observed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the goods do not go with the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel services have different policies regarding reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit because of the situation, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A valuable 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 planned travel which is not essential or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should get in touch with the travel service for additional details on their individual terms, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has suggested that every person in a foreign country must return back to the United Kingdom, many are yet stuck with no way to get back home.

The Government has taken measures such as specially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, however this might take time. In the meantime, they have made several recommendation about what people who are stuck in a foreign country should do.

If somebody has or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the client is residing will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident should seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically shown when somebody has 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find 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 soon

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

Moreover, 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 simply click:

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

If an affordable air flight to home cannot be found

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

Those people having travel insurance should contact their provider as the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel could also check if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to people trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the option for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial aid in certain circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those trapped don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has promised to guaranteeing that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical essentials, food and water.

If money runs out whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer monetary aid in a few circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger has to take care for somebody in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they should ensure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they come back to the UK.

They could request friends or family to take care of this person till they come back.

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

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

If they are working, they must keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about their condition.

If they are employed, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension while stranded abroad

The stranded passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around 4 weeks.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for 13 weeks while in a foreign country.

The State Pension will be paid despite how long the citizen stays in a foreign land.

Any queries or doubts regarding 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 visiting:

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