The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and areas. This entails two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is utterly vital Various airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return citizens that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel administration firm will be employed for stranded nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More info on going abroad and present government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

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

Flights and hotel booked independantly

Consumers are recommended to contact their hotels, asking for a compensation/modification in dates. Several airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial compensation in circumstances where other measures do not.

If consumers have planned travel to infected areas after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are recommended to check the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and owing to the current situation, problems surfacing as a outcome 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 stopped a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any further costs for stay and any food essential. For those customers who have received a reimbursement, then the obligation of care finishes here. It is then the duty of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is conceivable, or where patrons feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to seek additional support. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in regard to a destination that the customer selects to travel to, and the traveller selects to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to repayment.

Customers are insisted to check policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a refund due. If you think that your consumer rights have been waived, 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 via an authorised booking site, then you should usually obtain a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the specific company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the business who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request refunds. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

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

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

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

Consumers wishing not to be there – 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 cessations

Quiet a few of the big cinema chains have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities resumes as normal. Others are instructing that they will be resting payments for memberships. Patrons are advised to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

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

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but choices may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to recent situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to provide the amenity due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special functions

Weddings and special functions could potentially be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company catering the service or organising cancels, then a refund should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be checked for whatever that can be retrieved back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is vital.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should define in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not conceivable, consisting 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 delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can contact 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 unaffected throughout the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on non-essential goods for delivering medical supplies and necessary goods. For additional info on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the items must be the initial contact point.

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

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentexplained
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose told to the dealer

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

Consumers who think that  any of the above do not apply to their items and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  ordering, might be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without leading to significant trouble

In case a repair or replacement is not possible then they may instead be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a reduced price
• Return back the goods for a refund (total reimbursement in 6 months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must suit the explanation given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during discussions on the phone call or personally

If the customer feels that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A total re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and fault seen immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the items don’t match the sellers description, that can be tough if the description was delivered orally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules regarding re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are offering refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned a trip that is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a cancelled event should get in touch with the travel service for additional details on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone in a foreign land should return to the UK, several are yet stranded without any means to get back home.

The Government has taken steps like specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this may take some time. For the timebeing, they have made numerous suggestions regarding what those people who are stranded abroad should do.

If someone has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is residing will provide advice and assistance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are typically revealed when a person 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 resides can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, 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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional details on transport home. They may be able to delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those people with travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves stranded must also keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is also the choice for those stranded to contact their manager and request for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary assistance in certain circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or people stranded do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has promised to making sure that British citizens in foreign country have access to housing, medical essentials, water and food.

If money is over whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can also provide financial help in some situations. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to take care for a relative back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they should make sure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to continue to do this until they return to the UK.

They could request family or friends to take care of 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 stranded passenger has pressure regarding their job or self-employment

If they are working, they must contact their boss wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

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

Perks or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign country

The stranded person will still receive 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, they are each payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign land.

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments while abroad 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