The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign countries, cities and regions. This includes two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely vital Various airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to slow the increase of the virus.

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

More details on travelling abroad and present government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Owed a repayment or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Complete expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Consumers are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are letting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are advised to make sure the details of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial reimbursement in conditions where other measures do not.

If consumers have organised travel to infected regions after a caution was issued in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are recommended to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several circumstances, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed situations, and due to the existing condition, concerns occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those passengers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any further charges for accommodation and any food essential. For those customers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the obligation of worry finishes here. It is then the duty of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is probable, or where patrons feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to seek more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice published in regard to a country that the customer selects to journey to, and the consumer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Customers are urged to certify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a repayment due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been waived, 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 through an official booking site, then you should genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket retailer, the particular company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the business who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request refunds. 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 issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is unsuitable, then a refund can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons deciding not to attend – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Numerous of the larger cinema groups have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already gotten 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 advising that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as normal. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel costs

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

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be advanced to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

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

Marriages and special functions could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or person who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is key.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should define in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not probable, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers 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 delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers can contact their bank and try and 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 unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery firms have announced delays on avoidable items for delivering medical items and vital goods. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the goods should be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that is valid in different situations listed below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the sellerdescribed
• Exactly like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the idea made known to the seller

If requesting for repair/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/replacement.

Consumers who feel that  any of the above don’t fit for their items and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  purchase, might be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic time frame
• Without resulting in significant inconvenience

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

• Keep the items for a reduced rate
• Return the merchandise for a repayment (complete repayment within 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must match the explanation provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an email or text
Any description during discussions on the phone call or personally

If the customer believes that the items don’t go with the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A complete refund if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and defect noted instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, which might be tough if the description was given orally.

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

Scotrail are offering refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked travel that is no longer needed or have planned travel to a cancelled function should call the travel provider for more information on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has recommended that every person in a foreign land must return back to the UK, several are still stranded without any way to get back home.

The Government has taken measures such as specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this might take time. For now, they have made a lot of suggestions about what people who are stuck abroad should do.

If somebody suffers or believes they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is staying will give suggestion and guidance on what to do if someone has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are typically shown when somebody 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 area where the UK citizen stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by visiting:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be found

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

Those people with travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel could also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are stranded must even keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is vital to contact family and friends to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is even the choice for those trapped to contact their boss and ask for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial assistance in some circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stuck don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If money runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide monetary help in certain circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded abroad, they should ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they fly back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they should be in touch with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are doing a job, 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 while trapped abroad

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

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 country.

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

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments while in a foreign land can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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