The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and areas. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, 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 absolutely indispensible Many 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 restraint of movement to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are currently stuck abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration firm will be used for stuck citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further info on going abroad and existing government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Complete cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some customers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel booked independantly

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

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial reparation in conditions where other ways do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to infected zones after a notice was issued in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Consumers are advised to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent affairs, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some situations, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen conditions, and owing to the existing circumstances, concerns arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those passengers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any additional expenses for accommodation and any food required. For those customers who have taken a refund, then the obligation of care ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

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

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in regard to a country that the consumer chooses to journey to, and the customer selects to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Consumers are insisted to check policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is wanted or a refund due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been violated, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and assistance.

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 authorised booking site, then you must genrally get a refund.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a refund can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Patrons deciding not to attend – If customers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the greater cinema groups have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the larger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service restarts as regular. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended 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 terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the companies for all of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to provide the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special events

Weddings and special events could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is essential.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the organiser should define in detail the reason why a repayment is not probable, comprising 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’ accountable 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 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 are unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on non-essential goods in favour of shipping medical supplies and necessary products. For more details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods should be the very first point of contact.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various situations listed below.

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering 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

When purchasing products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the dealerdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose explained to the seller

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

Buyers who feel that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their items and have passed the initial 30 days after  ordering, might be eligible for repair/replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without leading to significant problem

If a repair/replacement is not possible then they might instead be allowed to:

• Keep the products for a reduced rate
• Return back the goods for a repayment (complete repayment within 6 months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must go with the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during conversations on the phone call or face to face

If the buyer thinks that the items do not match the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A total re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and problem observed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was delivered orally.

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

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

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is no longer needed or have planned travel to a cancelled function should contact the travel service for additional info on their individual conditions, including refund policies.

Although the Government has advised that every person in a foreign land must come back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still stranded with no means to get home.

The Government has adopted steps like specially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, but this may take some time. In the meanwhile, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what those people who are stuck abroad should do.

If somebody has or believes they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is residing will give advice and help on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when somebody is suffering from 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located 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 info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If an affordable air flight home cannot be found

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

Those people having travel insurance should get in touch with their provider as the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is essential to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to people stuck to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their boss and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial help in a few situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or people stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has committed to guaranteeing that British citizens in foreign country have access to housing, medical essentials, food and water.

If money is over whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can also provide monetary help in some situations. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they should ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be requested to continue to do this until they come back to the UK.

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

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

If the stranded passenger has tension about their employment or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they must be in touch with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

If they are working, they can still 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 whilst trapped in a foreign country

The trapped passenger will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to a month.

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

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments while 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 checking out:

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