The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign countries, towns and areas. This includes two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is totally indispensible Several airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will return residents that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision company will be utilized for marooned residents to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More details on travelling abroad and current government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their destination – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but customers can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved separately

Customers are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

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

If patrons have arranged travel to affected areas after a warning was published in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are recommended to ensure the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain circumstances, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen situations, and owing to the existing situation, problems arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

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

In conditions where none of the above is probable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to get more support. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in relation to a destination that the customer picks to go to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Travellers are insisted to check policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a refund due. If you feel that your consumer 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 booked via an certified booking site, then you ought to usually receive a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the particular 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 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 rescheduled 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 reimbursement can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

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

Customers wishing not to attend – If customers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the larger film groups have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as normal. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are instucted 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 cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been costs incurred for hotels and travel, then the establishments for all of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but options may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to recent situations.

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

Marriages and special events could possibly be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is vital.

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 possible, 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 clients for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable when a product or service that has been paid for cannot be delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can get in touch with their bank and try 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 are unchanged throughout the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical companies have announced delays on uneeded goods for delivering medical items and necessary products. For extra info on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the goods should be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is valid in different situations listed below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering merchandise from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the traderdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the idea told to the dealer

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

Consumers who think that  any of the above don’t fit for their products and have passed the initial thirty days after  ordering, might be eligible for replacement or repair which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without causing considerable trouble

In case a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they may instead be permitted to:

• Keep the products for a lesser price
• Return back the merchandise for a reimbursement (full repayment in six months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must go with the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone call or in person

If the customer feels that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A complete reimbursement if the products have not been accepted (not used and issue seen instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are really worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, which can be hard if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies about re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

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

A valuable guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel which is no longer required or have booked travel to a cancelled occasion should call the travel service for more details on their individual conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Although the Government has advised that everybody abroad must come back to the United Kingdom, a lot are yet trapped with no means to get back home.

The Government has implemented measures such as especially chartered flights to help get citizens home, however this may take time. In the meantime, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what those stranded in a foreign country should do.

If somebody has or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is residing will give advice and assistance on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen must seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally displayed when a person has coronavirus. This is listed 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures necessary will depend on the region that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by visiting:

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 more info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for more information on transport home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those people with travel insurance should contact their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel can also see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is important to contact family and friends to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to people stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is even the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their boss and ask for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary help in a few situations. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can even offer financial aid in a few situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ensure that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this till they fly back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are working, they must contact their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about 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 make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension while trapped abroad

The stranded person will still get 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 one is payable for 13 weeks whilst abroad.

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

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments while in a foreign land can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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