The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel abroad, towns and regions. This entails two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries unless it is totally essential Many airlines are now stating cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are currently marooned abroad. More information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision company will be utilized for marooned citizens to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further details on going abroad and existing government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a repayment or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Complete cost of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some customers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Flights and hotel reserved independantly

Customers are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are advised to check the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reimbursement in circumstances where other measures do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected zones after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are urged to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain conditions, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented conditions, and owing to the current condition, issues occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those passengers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any further costs for accommodation and any food required. For those consumers who have accepted a repayment, then the duty of concern ends here. It is then the obligation of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is probable, or where customers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to obtain more help. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in relation to a country that the traveller selects to journey to, and the consumer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Customers are advised to check policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a refund due. If you feel that your customer rights have been waived, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and guidance.

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 by means of an authorised booking site, then you should genrally receive 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 repay the ticket’s face value amount when an event is cancelled. This does not consist of the costs incurred for delivery.

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may differ, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers wishing not to attend – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the greater movie groups have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities restarts as normal. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel charges

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

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but options may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

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

Weddings and special events could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company providing the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is vital.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the planner should define in detail the reason why a repayment is not probable, including 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 orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible 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 get in touch with their bank and try and 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 the same during the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery companies have declared delays on uneeded products in favour of delivering medical items and necessary goods. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the products should be the very first point of contact.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that is relevant in various situations mentioned below.

Nevertheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is accessible by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering products from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the trader

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

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

• Cost-free
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without causing significant problem

If a replacement or repair is not possible then they may rather be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a lesser price
• Return back the products for a repayment (complete repayment in 6 months or perhaps 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 insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must match the explanation provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during conversations on the call or in person

If the purchaser believes that the items do not go with the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A total refund if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and fault noted quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are really worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that can be tough if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies about reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the situation, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked a trip that is not required or have planned travel to a cancelled event should contact the travel provider for additional information on their individual terms, as well as refund guidelines.

Though the Government has Informed that everybody in a foreign country must return to the United Kingdom, many are still trapped without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures like specially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, however this might take time. For the moment, they have made numerous recommendation about what those people who are stranded abroad should do.

If somebody suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is residing will provide suggestion and help on what to do if someone has, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must take medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are typically revealed when someone 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures required will depend on the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, 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 details on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If an affordable flight home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more information on transport home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

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

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

It is essential to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is even the option for those stuck to get in touch with their manager and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial assistance in a few circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people trapped do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If cash is over whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can also provide monetary aid in a few circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be requested to carry on to do this till they return to the UK.

They may ask friends or family to take care of this person until they return.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they can however 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 stranded in a foreign land

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, they are each payable for thirteen weeks whilst abroad.

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed 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