The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign countries, cities and locations. This entails two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries unless it is utterly essential Several airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back nationals 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 dedicated travel administration firm will be employed for stuck citizens to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Additional info on going abroad and present government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Complete amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Customers are advised to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are letting 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

Patrons are advised to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial compensation in circumstances where other means do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to affected areas after a warning was published in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company promptly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several conditions, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the present condition, concerns surfacing as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any extra costs for accommodation and any food vital. For those patrons who have received a repayment, then the duty of care terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is conceivable, or where patrons feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to seek further assistance. Individual embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in relation to a destination that the consumer picks to journey to, and the consumer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Customers are advised to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you belive that your customer 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 reserved through an official booking site, then you ought to normally get a reimbursement.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the specific company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the business who originally 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 rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or changed date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is unsuitable, then a repayment can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Individual events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers choosing not to show up – If consumers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the greater movie groups have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service recommences as usual. Others are advising that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel costs

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

Individual terms and conditions may vary, but possibilities may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special occasions could potentially be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company catering the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs might 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 coordinator should outline in detail the basis why a refund is not conceivable, 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 consumers for purchases 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 imposed by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected throughout the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical companies have declared delays on avoidable products for shipping medical supplies and necessary products. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the products must be the initial point of contact.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is valid in various situations listed below.

, a more comprehensive 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 ordering goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

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

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

Buyers who feel that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their products and have passed the initial thirty days after  purchase, can be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without causing considerable difficulty

If a repair/replacement is not possible then they might instead be entitled to:

• Keep the products for a reduced rate
• Return the goods for a repayment (full reimbursement in 6 months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must go with the description given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an email or text
Any description during discussions on the call or face to face

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

• A complete refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and issue seen instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the client to confirmverify that the products don’t match the sellers description, which can be difficult if the description was given orally.

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

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration charge might apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked a trip which is not needed or have booked travel to a cancelled function should contact the travel service for additional information on their individual terms, including refund guidelines.

Although the Government has recommended that everybody in a foreign country should return to the United Kingdom, many are still stuck without any way to get home.

The Government has adopted steps like especially chartered planes to help bring citizens home, however this may take time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous suggestions regarding what those trapped in a foreign country must do.

If someone has or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is staying will give advice and assistance on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are normally shown when a person is suffering from 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information 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 coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures necessary will depend upon the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, look at the travel advice for that country 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for additional info on flying back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip home.

People with travel insurance must get in touch with their 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 could even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is also the option for those trapped to get in touch with their boss and ask for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary help in certain situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people stranded 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 housing, medical supplies, food and water.

If cash is over whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can also provide monetary aid in a few situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they should ascertain that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they fly back to the UK.

They could ask family or friends to take care of this person until they return.

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

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

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

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.

Perks or state pension whilst stranded abroad

The stranded person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to 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 whilst in a foreign land.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen stays in a foreign land.

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments while in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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