The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This entails two important 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 presently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is totally indispensible Various airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back residents that are presently marooned abroad. Further information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision firm will be utilized for marooned nationals to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further info on travelling abroad and current government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their destination – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Whole cost of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but customers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Patrons are recommended to contact their hotels, asking for a repayment/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial reparation in conditions where other measures do not.

If consumers have organised travel to infected zones after a notice was published in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are urged to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

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

Already abroad and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those customers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further costs for accommodation and any food essential. For those patrons who have taken a reimbursement, then the responsibility of worry terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to arrange travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain further assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice released in regard to a destination that the customer picks to journey to, and the consumer picks to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Customers are urged to check policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is wanted or a repayment due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been breached, 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 booked by means of an authorised booking site, then you ought to genrally receive a refund.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or altered date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers deciding not to be there – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the greater cinema groups have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service resumes as normal. Others are instructing that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Customers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

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

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but possibilities 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 incapable to provide the facility due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special events

Weddings and special events could probably be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the service or arranging cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should outline in detail the basis why a repayment is not possible, comprising 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 buyers for purchases 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, consumers can contact their bank and attempt to 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 are unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on non-essential items in favour of shipping medical supplies and vital products. For more info on orders placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the products must be the first contact point.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various situations mentioned below.

, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is available by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying products from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

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

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

Consumers who believe that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their products and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  ordering, might be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be same
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without resulting in significant problem

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

• Keep the goods for a lower price
• Return the goods for a repayment (complete refund in six months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during discussions on the call or in person

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

• A full reimbursement if the items have not been accepted (not used and fault noticed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the goods do not go with the sellers description, which might be hard if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel providers have different policies about refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the situation, and an administration fee might apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned a trip which is no longer essential or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should get in touch with the travel provider for additional details on their individual conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Though the Government has Informed that every person in a foreign country must come back to the UK, several are yet stranded without any way to get home.

The Government has adopted measures like specially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, however this might take some time. For now, they have made a lot of suggestions about what those stranded abroad should do.

If someone has or feels they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the client is residing will give advice and assistance on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are typically shown 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures necessary will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found 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 additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If an affordable air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional information on flying back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

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

UK citizens who find themselves stuck should also keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel firms.

It is essential to contact friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

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

If money is over, or people trapped don’t have accommodation, 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 runs out whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer monetary help in a few situations. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should ascertain that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to continue to do this till they come back to the UK.

They may request friends or family to take care of this person until they return back.

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

If the stranded passenger has worries about their job or self-employment

If they are employed, they must be in touch 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 request for for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign country

The stranded passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around 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 in a foreign land.

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign land 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