The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign countries, cities and locations. This entails two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad unless it is absolutely essential Several airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back nationals that are currently stuck abroad. Further 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 used for stranded residents to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further info on going abroad and current government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Complete amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening certainly for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for additional explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Consumers are suggested to call their hotels, asking for a repayment/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are recommended to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial compensation in conditions where other ways do not.

If customers have arranged travel to affected regions after a warning was published in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several circumstances, 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 unforeseen conditions, and owing to the existing circumstances, issues surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those customers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any extra costs for housing and any food required. For those patrons who have received a refund, then the obligation of care terminates here. It is then the duty of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

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

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in regard to a destination that the consumer selects to go to, and the customer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to certify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a repayment 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 through an certified booking site, then you ought to normally obtain a refund.

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

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

Rescheduled events

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

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

Individual events may be different, contingent on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Patrons deciding not to attend – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is small likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the big movie franchises have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service recommences as normal. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Customers 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 suffered for hotels and travel, then the companies for each of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but options may be offered to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

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

Weddings and special functions could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company offering the service or arranging cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should outline in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not conceivable, consisting any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the customer.

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 entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers 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 remain the same throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery companies have proclaimed delays on unnecessary items for delivering medical supplies and vital goods. For extra information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the goods must be the first point of contact.

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

Nonetheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is accessible by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering goods from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerdepited
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose told to the trader

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

Consumers who believe that  any of the above don’t apply to their products and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  ordering, may be entitled to repair/replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without resulting in considerable problem

If a replacement or repair is not possible then they may instead be entitled to:

• Keep the goods for a lesser rate
• Return the goods for a repayment (full refund within 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is bought from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must go with the explanation provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during chats on the phone or face to face

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

• A complete refund if the goods have not been accepted (not used and issue observed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the goods do not match the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules about refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are providing refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the situation, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked a trip which is not needed or have booked travel to a annulled function should contact the travel service for additional details on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Although the Government has Informed that every person in a foreign land should return to the UK, many are still stranded without any means to come back home.

The Government has taken measures such as especially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, but this may take some time. In the meantime, they have made several recommendation regarding what those trapped in a foreign land must do.

If someone suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the customer is staying will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are typically revealed when a person is infected by 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions required will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, 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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a inexpensive air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional info on transport home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

Those people having travel insurance should contact their service provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. Those who can’t afford travel could also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped should even keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel firms.

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

Employment & perks / monetary support

There is even the choice for those trapped to contact their manager and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary help in certain situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or people trapped don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If money is over whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can even offer monetary aid in a few circumstances. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger has to take care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they must ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this until they return to the UK.

They could request family or friends to look after this person till they come back.

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

If the trapped passenger has tension regarding their employment or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they should keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

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 stranded abroad

The stranded passenger will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country 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 abroad.

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments while abroad can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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