The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and locations. This comprises two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is utterly vital Various airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will bring back residents that are presently stranded abroad. Further information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration company will be employed for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some consumers, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Customers are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reimbursement in circumstances where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to infected areas after a warning was published in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are recommended to check the specifics 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, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in some circumstances, have changed 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 unexpecteed situations, and owing to the present situation, issues surfacing as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those passengers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must also pay for any additional charges for accommodation and any food vital. For those customers who have taken a refund, then the duty of concern 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 possible, or where consumers feel stranded, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current locality to seek additional support. Specific embassy locations can be found 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 warning published in regard to a country that the consumer selects to journey to, and the traveller chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Travellers are insisted to verify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a refund 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 reserved through an certified booking site, then you must normally obtain a reimbursement.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or revised date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is not fitting, then a repayment can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers wishing not to be there – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the greater film chains have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already bought tickets, repayments 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 advising that monthly payments will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as normal. Others are recommending 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.

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been charges 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 vary, but options may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to provide the amenity due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special occasions

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is essential.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the organiser should define in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, including 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 consumers 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, clients can get in touch with their bank and try 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 pandemic. A few delivery firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded products in favour of transporting medical supplies and vital goods. For additional details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the items should be the initial contact point.

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

, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering 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 purchasing products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the traderexplained
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the seller

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

Consumers who feel that  any of the above do not fit for their items and have exceeded the initial 30 days after  purchase, may be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

In case a repair or replacement is not possible then they might rather be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a reduced rate
• Return the items for a reimbursement (complete refund 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 customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must match the description given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during discussions over the phone call or in person

If the buyer thinks that the products don’t match the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

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

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, which might be hard if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel services have different policies regarding re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the situation, and an administration fee might be imposed, depending upon 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 who have booked a trip which is not essential or have booked travel to a cancelled occasion should call the travel service for more details on their individual terms, including refund guidelines.

Though the Government has Informed that everybody in a foreign country should come back to the UK, a lot are yet stranded without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures such as specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this might take some time. Meanwhile, they have made several recommendation about what those trapped in a foreign country should do.

If someone has or believes they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the client is staying will give advice and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are normally revealed when someone 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 find the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures required will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by checking out:

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 additional info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a reasonably priced flight home cannot be booked

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

People having travel insurance should get in touch with their service provider as the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel could even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are trapped must even keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel firms.

It is essential to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

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

If cash runs out, or those trapped don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

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

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign land, they should ensure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be asked to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

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

If they are employed, 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 while trapped abroad

The trapped passenger will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around 4 weeks.

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 regardless of how long the citizen has been abroad.

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments while 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