The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign land, cities and areas. This entails two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is totally indispensible Various airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced 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 home.

More information on going abroad and present government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Entire amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Patrons are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a compensation/modification in dates. Various airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may payout financial compensation in conditions where other ways do not.

If patrons have planned travel to affected areas after a caution was announced in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are advised to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some conditions, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented conditions, and owing to the current situation, concerns arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those travellers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any extra charges for stay and any food required. For those customers who have taken a repayment, then the responsibility of concern finishes here. It is then the duty of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is conceivable, or where patrons feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain more assistance. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in relation to a country that the customer selects to journey to, and the traveller chooses to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Customers are urged to verify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is required or a reimbursement due. If you belive 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 booked through an authorised booking site, then you must normally obtain a refund.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a rearranged or changed date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is not fitting, then a repayment can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons wishing not to show up – If consumers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Numerous of the larger movie chains have stated that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will continue, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities resumes as normal. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been expenditures 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 vary, but choices may be offered to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to offer the facility due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special events

Weddings and special occasions could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the service or arranging cancels, then a refund should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around postponing the event is key.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should define in detail the basis 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 consumers for purchases 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 provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can contact their bank and try and make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unchanged during the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery companies have announced delays on unnecessary items for transporting medical supplies and vital items. For more info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods should be the initial contact point.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that applies in different circumstances below.

Nevertheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is available by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying goods from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerdescribed
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the purpose told to the trader

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

Purchasers who think that  any of the above do not fit for their items and have exceeded the initial 30 days after  ordering, might be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without causing considerable trouble

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they may rather be permitted to:

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced price
• Return back the products for a repayment (total repayment in six months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must go with the explanation given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during discussions over the call or in person

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

• A total refund if the goods have not been accepted (not used and problem noted quickly)
• 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 burden of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the products don’t match the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules regarding reimbursements of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned travel that is no longer required or have booked travel to a annulled event should contact the travel provider for more details on their individual conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has Informed that every person abroad must return back to the UK, several are still stranded without any way to come back home.

The Government has implemented steps such as specially chartered flights to help get citizens home, but this may take time. Meanwhile, they have made several suggestions regarding what those people who are stuck abroad need to do.

If someone has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the client is staying will give advice and assistance on what to do if somebody has, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically shown when somebody 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 finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend on the area that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out 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 information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If an affordable air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional info on transport home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

People having travel insurance must contact their service provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel can also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary assistance

There is even the choice for those trapped to contact their employer and ask for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary help in some circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those trapped do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If money is over whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can also offer monetary help in a few situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to care for a relative back in the UK

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this until they come back to the UK.

They could ask friends or family to look after this person until they return back.

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

If the stranded passenger has pressure regarding their employment or self-employment

If they are working, they must be in touch with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are employed, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can request for for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign country

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around a month.

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

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

Any queries or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign land can be answered 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