The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but necessary travel abroad, cities and regions. This includes two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad unless it is absolutely vital Many airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return residents that are currently stranded abroad. Further information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel management firm will be utilized for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on travelling abroad and current government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their destination – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Whole cost of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved separately

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

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are urged to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reparation in conditions where other ways do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected areas after a caution was issued in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are advised to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain conditions, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented circumstances, and owing to the current situation, concerns occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those customers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must furthermore pay for any extra expenses for stay and any food vital. For those customers who have accepted a refund, then the responsibility of worry terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present location to get more assistance. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in relation to a country that the customer picks to journey to, and the customer selects to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Consumers are insisted to certify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a reimbursement 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 reserved via an authorised booking site, then you should genrally get a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the individual 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 instance to request reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or revised date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a repayment can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons deciding not to show up – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the big movie chains have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will resume, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service recommences as normal. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to offer the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special occasions

Weddings and special functions could possibly be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company providing the service or arranging cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is essential.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the planner should define in detail the cause why a refund is not probable, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the buyer.

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 contact 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 remain unaffected throughout the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on unnecessary items for shipping medical items and essential items. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the items must be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different circumstances mentioned below.

Nonetheless, 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 items from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealertold
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the idea told to the seller

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

Buyers who believe that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their goods and have passed the initial thirty days after  ordering, might be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without resulting in considerable inconvenience

In case a repair or replacement is not possible then they may instead be entitled to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lesser price
• Return back the goods for a refund (complete repayment in 6 months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the products must suit the description given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during discussions on the phone or face to face

If the purchaser feels that the goods do not match the seller’s description, then they might be entitled to;

• A total re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and issue observed immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the goods are really worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, which might be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

Rail companies and travel services have different rules about refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a little because of the circumstances, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned a trip that is not necessary or have booked travel to a annulled event should get in touch with the travel service for more details on their individual terms, as well as refund policies.

Although the Government has recommended that everyone abroad must return back to the UK, a lot are yet stranded with no means to come back home.

The Government has taken steps such as especially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this might take some time. For the moment, they have made a lot of suggestions about what those people who are trapped abroad must do.

If someone has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is staying will give advice and assistance on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are typically displayed when someone 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 finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures required will depend upon the area 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 read by visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a inexpensive flight home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional details on going back home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

People with travel insurance should get in touch with their provider as the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is important to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those stuck to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the option for those stranded to contact their manager and ask for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial help in certain situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash is over whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can even provide financial help in some situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they should make sure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they must be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them informed about their situation.

If they are employed, they can still 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 whilst trapped in a foreign land

The stranded passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad 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 13 weeks while abroad.

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

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be responed 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