The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel abroad, towns and regions. This includes two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel abroad unless it is utterly essential Several airlines are now stating cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to reduce the increase of the virus.

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

Further details on travelling abroad and existing government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Complete cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for additional clarification.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Patrons are advised to contact their hotels, asking for a compensation/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial reimbursement in circumstances where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected regions after a caution was published in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain conditions, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed circumstances, and owing to the existing situation, concerns surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those customers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any extra charges for housing and any food essential. For those customers who have received a reimbursement, then the responsibility of concern ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is possible, or where consumers feel stranded, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek further support. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in relation to a country that the traveller chooses to travel to, and the traveller selects to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a reimbursement due. If you belive that your customer 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 via an authorised booking site, then you should usually receive a refund.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket seller, the particular company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the business who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or revised date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers choosing not to be there – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the larger movie franchises have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the greater groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as regular. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been expenditures suffered for hotels and travel, then the companies for every one of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent situations.

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

Marriages and special occasions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a repayment should be prepared 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 customer, or individual who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is vital.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the planner should outline in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not possible, consisting any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the consumer.

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’ 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, consumers can get in touch with their bank and attempt to 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 avoidable goods in favour of transporting medical items and vital products. For more details on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods should be the first point of contact.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in various circumstances listed below.

Nonetheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including 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

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

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the tradermentioned
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose told to the dealer

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

Purchasers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their goods and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  purchase, can be entitled to repair or replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without causing significant difficulty

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

• Keep the products for a lesser price
• Return back the merchandise for a refund (total reimbursement in six months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must match the explanation provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during conversations over the phone or personally

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

• A total refund if the items have not been accepted (not used and problem noted immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the items do not match the sellers description, that can be hard if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different policies regarding reimbursements of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may apply, depending on the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned a trip that is not needed or have booked travel to a annulled function should get in touch with the travel provider for more info on their individual conditions, including refund guidelines.

Though the Government has advised that everyone abroad should come back to the United Kingdom, several are yet trapped without any way to come back home.

The Government has implemented measures like especially chartered planes to help get citizens home, but this may take some time. Meanwhile, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what those stranded abroad should do.

If somebody has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

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

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally displayed 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by visiting:

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 more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a inexpensive flight home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for more information on going back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those people having travel insurance should 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 can even see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is essential to contact friends and family to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial assistance

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

If cash is over, or those trapped do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has committed to making sure that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical supplies, food and water.

If money is over whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can as well offer monetary help in some situations. Additional info 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 must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they must contact their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on 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 make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension while trapped abroad

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

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

Any questions or doubts regarding 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 visiting:

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