The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and areas. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is absolutely vital Many airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will bring back citizens that are currently marooned abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel administration company will be utilized for stranded residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

More info on travelling abroad and present government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Whole cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Flights and hotel reserved individually

Customers are recommended to contact their hotels, asking for a compensation/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

In situations where the hotel and place are operational, 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 procured. These may payout financial reimbursement in situations where other measures do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to infected areas after a notice was announced in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are advised to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several situations, have changed cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen conditions, and owing to the present condition, issues arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those customers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any further charges for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have taken a repayment, then the responsibility of concern terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where consumers feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current locality to get more assistance. Specific 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 caution issued in relation to a country that the traveller chooses to journey to, and the consumer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Consumers are insisted to certify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a refund due. If you think that your consumer rights have been waived, 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 by means of an official booking site, then you ought to genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or revised date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Customers wishing not to attend – If customers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the big movie chains have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

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

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but possibilities may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to offer the facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special functions

Marriages and special events could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company offering the service or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges may 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 reimbursed, the planner should define in detail the basis why a repayment is not possible, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients 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 entertained.

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 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 pandemic. Some delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on unnecessary goods in favour of delivering medical supplies and vital products. For extra details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the products should be the first point of contact.

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

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is available by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

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

If requesting for replacement or repair within first thirty days, then the shopper enters the wait period with the remaining 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after replacement or repair.

Buyers who think that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their items and have exceeded the first thirty days after  purchase, may be eligible for repair or replacement that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without causing significant trouble

If a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they might instead be permitted to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must match the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations on the call or personally

If the buyer thinks that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A total refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and issue noticed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what was paid and what the items are worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to prove that the goods do not match the sellers description, which could be tough if the description was given verbally.

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

Scotrail are providing refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the situation, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip that is not needed or have booked travel to a annulled function should get in touch with the travel provider for additional info on their individual terms, as well as refund guidelines.

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

The Government has implemented measures such as especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this may take some time. For the moment, they have made several suggestions regarding what those stuck in a foreign land must do.

If somebody has or feels they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is staying will provide suggestion and help on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen must seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are typically shown when somebody is suffering from 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found 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 details on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a reasonably priced flight home cannot be booked

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

Those people having 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 effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel may also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to people stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the option for those stranded to contact their boss and request for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary assistance in a few circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those trapped do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If cash is over whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can as well provide monetary assistance in certain circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger has to care for someone back in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be asked to continue to do this until they return 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 suggestion and help.

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

If they are doing a job, they should keep in contact with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

If they are doing a job, they can still be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst trapped in a foreign land

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

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

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country 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