The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign countries, towns and locations. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is utterly vital Several airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will return citizens that are presently stuck abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel administration company will be utilized for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

More information on going abroad and existing government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Complete expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some customers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved separately

Patrons are recommended to call their hotels, asking for a compensation/modification in dates. Many airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial compensation in circumstances where other means do not.

If patrons have planned travel to infected regions after a caution was issued in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in some situations, have changed 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 situations, and owing to the current situation, problems surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those customers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any additional costs for accommodation and any food vital. For those patrons who have taken a repayment, then the obligation of care ends here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stranded, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to get further support. 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 destination that the traveller selects to go to, and the customer picks to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Consumers are urged to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a repayment due. If you think 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 booked by means of an authorised booking site, then you ought to normally receive a repayment.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a postponed or altered date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be requested via the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons deciding not to attend – If consumers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the greater cinema franchises have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For consumers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service resumes as regular. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Customers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the companies for all of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but options may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to provide the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special events could potentially be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue providing the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a repayment should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should outline in detail the reason why a repayment is not possible, 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 clients for purchases 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 get in touch with their bank and try to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unaffected throughout the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on uneeded items in favour of transporting medical items and vital products. For additional details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the products should be the initial contact point.

We have explained the important consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various circumstances listed below.

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is accessible by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerdepited
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the purpose made known to the trader

When requesting for replacement or repair in the first thirty 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 feel that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their items and have gone beyond the first thirty days after  purchase, might be eligible for replacement or repair which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without leading to significant trouble

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

• Keep the items for a lower rate
• Return back the items for a reimbursement (complete refund in six months or perhaps partial repayment 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 states the merchandise must go with the explanation provided 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 call or face to face

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

• A complete reimbursement if the products have not been accepted (not used and problem noticed instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to prove that the items don’t go with the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different guidelines about refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are giving refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a little 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 seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel which is no longer necessary or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should call the travel service for additional information on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has suggested that everybody in a foreign country should come back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still trapped with no means to get home.

The Government has taken steps like especially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, however this may take some time. For the moment, they have made several suggestions about what people who are stuck in a foreign country should do.

If someone has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the client is residing will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are typically revealed when someone is suffering from coronavirus. This is listed 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend upon the region that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found 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 additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If an affordable flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional details on flying back home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

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

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

It is vital 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 trapped to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is even the choice for those stranded to contact their employer and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary assistance in certain circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people stranded don’t 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 accommodation, medical supplies, water and food.

If cash is over whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can also offer financial aid in certain circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to take care for somebody in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they should contact their boss wherever possible to keep them updated 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 request for for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck abroad

The trapped passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land 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 whilst abroad.

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments while in a foreign country 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