The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and regions. This entails two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries except if it is totally vital Various airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return residents that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel management firm will be used for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they booked through for additional clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Consumers are suggested to call their hotels, asking for a refund/change in dates. Various airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reimbursement in conditions where other means do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to affected regions after a notice was announced in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are advised to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company promptly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented conditions, and owing to the present circumstances, concerns arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those travellers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any extra costs for accommodation and any food vital. For those customers who have taken a reimbursement, then the duty of care terminates here. It is then the duty of the passenger to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to obtain more 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 notice released in regard to a destination that the traveller picks to travel to, and the traveller picks to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are urged to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you belive that your customer rights have been breached, 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 through an certified booking site, then you should genrally obtain a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket merchant, the particular 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 request reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed 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 refund can be requested through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons choosing not to show up – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the larger movie franchises have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as normal. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Patrons are advised to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been costs incurred for hotels and travel, then the companies for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

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

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

Weddings and special occasions could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company providing the ceremony or managing cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a repayment is not probable, 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 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, clients can get in touch with their bank and attempt to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded items for shipping medical items and vital items. For extra info on orders placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the goods must be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different circumstances listed below.

However, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is accessible by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing products from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the agenttold
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the dealer

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

Purchasers who think that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their items and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  ordering, can be entitled to repair/replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without leading to considerable problem

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

• Keep the items for a lower price
• Return the merchandise for a repayment (total repayment in six months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the goods must go with the explanation given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an email or text
Any description during chats on the call or in person

If the purchaser believes that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total refund if the goods have not been accepted (not used and issue noted quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the items do not match the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are giving refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the situation, and an administration fee might be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned travel that is not necessary or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should call the travel service for additional info on their individual terms, along with refund guidelines.

Although the Government has advised that everybody in a foreign land should come back to the United Kingdom, a lot are yet stranded without any means to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps such as especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, however this may take some time. Meanwhile, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what those people who are stranded abroad must do.

If someone has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is staying will give advice and help on what to do if someone has, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when someone 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 resides can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by visiting:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If an affordable flight home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for additional details on transport home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

People with travel insurance should get in touch with their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel can also see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are trapped should also keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel firms.

It is important to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to people trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

There is also the option for those stranded to contact their employer and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary help in a few circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash runs out whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can as well provide monetary help in a few circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they should be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated about 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.

Benefits or state pension whilst stranded in a foreign land

The trapped person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around one month.

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

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

Any queries or doubts about benefit payments while abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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