The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel abroad, towns and locations. This entails two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries except if it is absolutely indispensible Various airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are currently stuck abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration company will be utilized for marooned residents to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More information on travelling abroad and present government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Entire amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Flights and hotel booked independantly

Patrons are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a compensation/modification in dates. Various airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are urged to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reimbursement in conditions where other means do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected zones after a caution was announced in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in several situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented circumstances, and owing to the present situation, problems surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those customers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any further costs for accommodation and any food essential. For those customers who have received a refund, then the obligation of care finishes here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where customers feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain additional support. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in regard to a destination that the traveller picks to go to, and the traveller chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are insisted to certify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you belive 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 reserved via an official booking site, then you should normally receive a repayment.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory organisation 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 fee paid for delivery.

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or revised 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 include the costs paid for booking fees or delivery.

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

Consumers choosing not to be there – If customers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the greater cinema chains have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service resumes as usual. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the companies for every one of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but options may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to deliver the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special occasions

Weddings and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the service or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is key.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should define in detail the reason why a refund 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 consumers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable when a service or product 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 contact their bank and try to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery companies have proclaimed delays on uneeded products for shipping medical supplies and necessary items. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the products should be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in various circumstances listed below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the dealerexplained
• Exactly like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose made known to the trader

When asking for replacement or repair in the first thirty 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 feel that  any of the above don’t apply to their items and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, may be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in significant trouble

If a repair or replacement isn’t possible then they may rather be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a lesser rate
• Return back the items for a repayment (complete repayment within six months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must match the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during discussions on the phone call or face to face

If the customer feels that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A full re-payment if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the goods are worth

The burden of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that could be tough if the description was given orally.

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

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a little because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful 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 booked a trip that is not essential or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should contact the travel service for more info on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Though the Government has advised that every person abroad must return back to the United Kingdom, many are still stranded without any means to get back home.

The Government has taken measures like specially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, but this may take some time. In the meanwhile, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what those stranded abroad should do.

If somebody has or believes they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is staying will provide suggestion and assistance on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are typically displayed when somebody 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 contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

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

Moreover, 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 nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a inexpensive air flight home cannot be found

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

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

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those stuck to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their manager and ask for advance payment of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary help in some circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those stuck don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If money is over whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can even provide monetary aid in some situations. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they should ensure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be requested to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

They may request friends or family to look after this person until they return back.

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

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

If they are working, they should keep in contact with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated 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.

Benefits or state pension while stuck in a foreign land

The stranded passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to a 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 country.

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst abroad can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or clicking:

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