The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign countries, towns and regions. This entails two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries except if it is totally indispensible Various airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that several countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will return residents that are presently stuck abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management firm will be utilized for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

More information on travelling abroad and existing government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their destination – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening certainly for some customers, but patrons can contact the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Customers are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial compensation in conditions where other measures do not.

If patrons have planned travel to affected regions after a notice was issued in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to ensure 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 recent events, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in several situations, have modified 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 unprecedented conditions, and owing to the present condition, concerns occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those passengers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any additional charges for accommodation and any food required. For those patrons who have received a refund, then the duty of concern ends here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is possible, or where customers feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in regard to a destination that the traveller selects to journey to, and the traveller picks to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been breached, 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 ought to usually receive a repayment.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket merchant, the specific company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or revised date is declared. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is incompatible, then a repayment can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons deciding not to show up – 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 closings

Quiet a few of the greater cinema franchises have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities restarts as usual. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel charges

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the establishments for all of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

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

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

Marriages and special occasions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees 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 reimbursed, the organiser should outline in detail the cause why a reimbursement is not conceivable, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ accountable 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, buyers 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 plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery companies have announced delays on uneeded goods for transporting medical items and vital items. For additional information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the goods must be the very first contact point.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different circumstances listed below.

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is available by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering products from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Fit for the idea made known to the agent

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

Purchasers who believe that  any of the above don’t fit for their items and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, may be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without causing significant inconvenience

If a repair or replacement is not possible then they might instead be allowed to:

• Keep the items for a lower rate
• Return back the items for a reimbursement (complete refund in six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the products must go with the description given by the seller. This incorporates:

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

If the buyer feels that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A complete reimbursement if the goods have not been accepted (not used and problem noticed immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the products do not go with the sellers description, that might be hard if the description was delivered in words.

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

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration charge may apply, depending on the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked travel which is not required or have planned travel to a annulled event should call the travel service for additional info on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone in a foreign country must return back to the UK, several are yet trapped with no way to get home.

The Government has implemented steps like especially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, however this might take time. For the timebeing, they have made numerous recommendation about what those stranded in a foreign land should do.

If somebody has or feels they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is residing will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled 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 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 closest one in your area, 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 on the area that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

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

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

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

If a inexpensive 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 to home town.

Those with travel insurance should get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who can’t afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves stranded should even keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel companies.

It is important to contact friends and family to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to those stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is also the choice for those stranded to contact their boss and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial assistance in some circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those stuck do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If money runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in certain situations. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign land, they must ascertain that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they come back to the UK.

They may ask friends or family to look after this person until they fly back.

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

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

If they are employed, they must be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

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

Benefits or state pension while stuck in a foreign land

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around 4 weeks.

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

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country 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