The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, towns and areas. This includes two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad unless it is absolutely indispensible Several airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are currently stranded abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision company will be used for marooned residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

More info on going abroad and existing government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some customers, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel booked individually

Customers are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a refund/change in dates. Many airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

In conditions where the hotel and location are operational, 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 procured. These may payout financial compensation in situations where other means do not.

If customers have organised travel to affected regions after a notice was published in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are urged to check 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 present happenings, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the existing situation, issues arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those customers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should also pay for any extra expenses for stay and any food vital. For those patrons who have accepted a reimbursement, then the obligation of worry ends here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain more help. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning released in relation to a country that the traveller chooses to journey to, and the traveller picks to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to repayment.

Consumers are advised to verify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a refund due. If you feel that your consumer 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 reserved through an certified booking site, then you must genrally obtain a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory association and as such, require firms registered with them to refund the ticket’s face value price when an event is cancelled. This does not consist of the charges paid for delivery.

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

Rescheduled 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 pushed to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Specific events may differ, contingent on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Patrons wishing not to be there – If customers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

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

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as normal. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel costs

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

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but choices may be offered to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

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

Weddings and special events could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue providing the service or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should define in detail the basis why a refund is not conceivable, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ accountable 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 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 remain the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery companies have declared delays on avoidable items in favour of shipping medical items and essential items. For additional information on orders placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the products must be the first contact point.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different circumstances mentioned below.

However, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is available by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While buying items from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the tradermentioned
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the idea told to the agent

When asking for repair or replacement in the first thirty days, then the consumer enters the wait period with the remainder of the 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Customers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their products and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  purchase, might be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without leading to considerable trouble

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

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must match the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

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

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

• A complete reimbursement if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and issue seen immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to confirmverify that the products do not match the sellers description, which could be hard if the description was given orally.

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

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the situation, 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 Those who have planned travel which is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should call the travel provider for additional information on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Although the Government has Informed that every person abroad should return to the United Kingdom, several are yet trapped with no way to get back home.

The Government has taken measures such as especially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, but this might take time. For now, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what those trapped in a foreign country need to do.

If somebody has or feels they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is residing will give suggestion and help on what to do if someone has, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when a person is infected by 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 contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures mandatory will depend on the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by checking out:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more information on going back home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

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

UK citizens who are stuck must also keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel companies.

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is also the option for those trapped to contact their boss and request for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary aid in a few circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those stuck do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If cash runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well offer financial assistance in certain circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be requested to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

They could request friends or family to take care of this person until they fly back.

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

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

If they are working, they should be in touch with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are employed, they can however 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 whilst stuck in a foreign country

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for up to one month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for 13 weeks while in a foreign country.

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

Any queries or doubts about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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