The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign land, cities and regions. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is utterly indispensible Several airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return residents that are currently stuck abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management firm will be employed for stuck nationals to book and pay for the flight back home.

Further info on going abroad and existing government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

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

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Patrons are advised to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are urged to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial compensation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to infected regions after a notice was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are urged to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain circumstances, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen conditions, and owing to the existing situation, concerns occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those passengers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further charges for housing and any food essential. For those consumers who have taken a reimbursement, then the duty of concern finishes here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is conceivable, or where patrons feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain additional support. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained 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 warning released in relation to a country that the customer selects to travel to, and the customer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no automatic right to repayment.

Consumers are insisted to verify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a refund due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 authorised booking site, then you ought to genrally get a refund.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request refunds. There may also be the possibility 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 pushed to is unsuitable, then a refund can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Customers choosing not to show up – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Quiet a few of the big film franchises have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as regular. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are instucted 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 terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been charges paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for all of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Individual terms and conditions may vary, but choices may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to deliver the facility due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special functions

Marriages and special functions could probably be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the service or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is essential.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a reimbursement is not possible, including any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients 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 delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers can get in touch with their bank and try 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 remain the same throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded products in favour of shipping medical items and essential products. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the goods must be the initial point of contact.

We have explained the key consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various situations below.

Nevertheless, a more inclusive 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 purchasing goods from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the agentexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose made known to the dealer

When asking for repair or replacement within first thirty days, then the consumer enters the wait period with the remaining thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Consumers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their products and have gone beyond the first thirty days after  ordering, can be entitled to repair or replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without leading to significant problem

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they may instead be allowed to:

• Keep the goods for a lesser rate
• Return back the products for a refund (full reimbursement in six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must match the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during discussions on the phone call or in person

If the customer believes that the goods don’t go with the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A total refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and problem seen instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the products do not match the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel providers have different guidelines regarding re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the situation, and an administration fee might apply, depending upon the ticket type.

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 travel that is not required or have planned travel to a annulled event should get in touch with the travel provider for more details on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Although the Government has Informed that everybody in a foreign land should come back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still stuck with no way to get back home.

The Government has taken steps such as specially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For now, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what people who are stranded in a foreign country need to do.

If somebody suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the buyer is residing will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically shown when a person 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 area where the UK citizen resides can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that country 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 additional details on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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 more details on going back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

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

UK citizens who find themselves trapped should also keep themselves updated on the messages from local travel companies.

It is essential to contact friends and family to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is also the option for those stranded to contact their manager and ask for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial aid in certain circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has promised to making sure that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical supplies, food and water.

If money runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well provide financial help in a few circumstances. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they must ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be asked to continue to do this till they return back to the UK.

They could request friends or family to look after this person till they return.

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

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

If they are employed, they must contact their employer wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

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

Perks or state pension whilst stranded in a foreign land

The stranded person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for up to a month.

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

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

Any queries or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign land can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or checking out:

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