The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but necessary travel abroad, cities and regions. This entails two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely vital Many airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back residents that are currently stuck abroad. More information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel administration firm will be employed for stuck residents to reserve and pay for the flight home.

More details on going abroad and existing government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Owed a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Entire amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening certainly for some customers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Consumers are advised to call their hotels, requesting a compensation/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial reimbursement in situations where other means do not.

If patrons have planned travel to infected zones after a caution was announced in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are urged to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in several circumstances, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the present circumstances, problems arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of worry to those travellers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any further expenses for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have accepted a repayment, then the responsibility of concern ends here. It is then the duty of the passenger to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is conceivable, or where patrons feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to seek more help. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired 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 warning published in relation to a destination that the consumer chooses to travel to, and the traveller selects to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Consumers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a repayment due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been breached, 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 by means of an authorised booking site, then you ought to normally obtain a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the specific 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 instance to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a postponed or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a refund can be requested via the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons deciding not to show up – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the greater cinema chains have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

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

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs suffered for hotels and travel, then the establishments for every one of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the amenity due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special functions

Marriages and special events could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or individual who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is essential.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the organiser should define in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not conceivable, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable when a product or service that has been paid for cannot be provided.

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 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 are the same throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery and logistical companies have announced delays on non-essential items in favour of shipping medical supplies and necessary products. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods should be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different situations below.

But, a more inclusive 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

While ordering items from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of nice 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 made known to the agent

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

Buyers who believe that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their goods and have exceeded the first thirty days after  purchase, can be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without leading to considerable problem

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

• Keep the goods for a reduced rate
• Return the goods for a refund (total reimbursement within 6 months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during conversations over the phone call or face to face

If the customer thinks that the products do not go with the seller’s description, then they might be entitled to;

• A complete reimbursement if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and fault noticed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the items don’t go with the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules about reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a little due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned a trip which is no longer essential or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should contact the travel service for additional information on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has recommended that every person in a foreign country must return back to the United Kingdom, many are still trapped without any way to get home.

The Government has taken measures such as especially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, but this might take time. In the meantime, they have made a lot of recommendation about what those people who are stuck abroad should do.

If someone suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area 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. Also, the resident should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally revealed when someone 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 region where the UK citizen resides can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If in doubt, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by checking out:

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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

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

Those with travel insurance should get in touch with their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel could even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

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

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is also the choice for those stranded to contact their employer and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial help in certain circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people trapped do not 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 housing, medical essentials, water and food.

If money is over whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can even offer monetary assistance in some circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they should make sure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they fly back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they should contact their employer wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

If they are working, 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 while trapped in a foreign land

The trapped passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land 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 regardless of how long the citizen stays in a foreign land.

Any queries or concerns regarding benefit payments while 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