The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and areas. This includes two key 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 currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is utterly essential Many airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are presently stranded abroad. More information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision company will be utilized for marooned residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

More details on travelling abroad and present government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Entire expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some consumers, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Customers are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a repayment/modification in dates. Several airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reparation in situations where other means do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to infected areas after a warning was announced in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are recommended to check the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company promptly 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 conditions, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen conditions, and owing to the present condition, problems arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any additional charges for housing and any food vital. For those customers who have taken a refund, then the obligation of worry ends here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is possible, or where patrons feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present locality to get further support. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in relation to a destination that the customer picks to go to, and the customer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Customers are insisted to check policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a refund due. If you think that your consumer 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 by means of an official booking site, then you must genrally get a reimbursement.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket retailer, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to ask for repayments. 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 revised date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

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

Cinema cessations

Several of the big movie franchises have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For consumers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as usual. Others are instructing 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.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but choices may be advanced 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 amenity due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special events

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a refund should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is essential.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the planner should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not possible, including 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 clients 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 entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, clients 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 the same during the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery and logistical firms have announced delays on avoidable goods for shipping medical supplies and essential goods. For additional info on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the products must be the first contact point.

We have explained the important consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations listed below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing products from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the dealermentioned
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose made known to the dealer

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

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

• Cost-free
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in considerable inconvenience

In case a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they might instead be allowed to:

• Keep the items for a lesser rate
• Return back the merchandise for a reimbursement (full repayment within 6 months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must go with the explanation given by the seller. This comprises:

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

If the buyer thinks that the goods do not go with the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A total re-payment if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and problem noticed immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the goods are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was delivered verbally.

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

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

A useful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip that is not necessary or have booked travel to a annulled function should contact the travel provider for more details on their individual terms and conditions, including refund guidelines.

Though the Government has suggested that everybody in a foreign country should return to the UK, a lot are still trapped with no means to get back home.

The Government has taken steps like especially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, but this may take time. For the timebeing, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what those people who are stranded in a foreign country must do.

If someone suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the buyer is residing will give suggestion and help on what to do if somebody has, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are typically displayed when someone is infected by 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 more information on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions necessary will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read 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 more info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

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

People having travel insurance must contact their service provider because the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are trapped must even keep themselves updated on the messages from local travel firms.

It is essential to contact family and friends to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is even the option for those trapped to get in touch with their manager and ask for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial assistance in certain situations. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or people stuck do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If money runs out whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can even offer monetary assistance in a few circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is stranded abroad, they should ensure that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. 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 may request friends or family to take care of this person till they return back.

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

If the trapped passenger has tension about their job or self-employment

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

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.

Perks or state pension while stuck 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, they are each payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign land.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen stays abroad.

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

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