The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and locations. This entails two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries unless it is utterly essential Various airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to slow the spread of the virus.

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

Further info on travelling abroad and existing government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Complete amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Consumers are advised to call their hotels, requesting a compensation/change in dates. Various airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to check the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial compensation in circumstances where other means do not.

If customers have arranged travel to affected zones after a warning was published in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are urged to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain circumstances, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen situations, and due to the existing condition, issues occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those travellers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any further charges for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have received a refund, then the obligation of care finishes here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is probable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to seek more assistance. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in relation to a country that the traveller selects to travel to, and the traveller picks to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to reimbursement.

Consumers are advised to certify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you belive that your customer rights have been violated, 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 via an certified booking site, then you should genrally get a refund.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or altered date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a repayment can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons choosing not to show up – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is little chance of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Numerous of the greater film franchises have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as normal. Others are recommending that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs suffered for hotels and travel, then the businesses for all of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to provide the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special occasions

Weddings and special events could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the service or arranging cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or individual who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around postponing the event is vital.

For anything 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 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 provided.

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 to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be enforced by law, and the provision of this scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery firms have declared delays on uneeded goods for transporting medical supplies and necessary products. For additional information on orders placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the products must be the first contact point.

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

But, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is accessible by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing merchandise from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the tradertold
• Exactly like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the purpose told to the seller

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

Purchasers who feel that  any of the above don’t apply to their goods and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  ordering, can be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical time frame
• Without leading to significant problem

In case a replacement or repair is not possible then they may instead be permitted to:

• Keep the products for a lower price
• Return back the products for a repayment (full reimbursement in six months or perhaps partial reimbursement 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 claims the products must suit the description given by the seller. This includes:

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

If the buyer thinks that the items don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A full refund if the items have not been accepted (not used and defect seen immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, that could be tough if the description was delivered in words.

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

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might apply, depending on the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip that is no longer needed or have planned travel to a annulled function should contact the travel provider for more information on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has recommended that every person in a foreign land should return to the UK, many are still trapped with no way to get home.

The Government has adopted measures like especially chartered flights to help get citizens home, but this might take time. For now, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those people who are stuck in a foreign land should do.

If somebody has or thinks they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is staying will give advice and help on what to do if someone suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are normally 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 additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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 region that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, check out 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

Additionally, 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 closest one in your area, please contact 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 in the first instance for more info on flying back home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those people with travel insurance must contact their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is vital to contact family and friends to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is also the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their boss and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary aid in some circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those stranded don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well offer financial help in a few situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should ascertain that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they return back to the UK.

They may request family or friends to take care of this person till they fly back.

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

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

If they are employed, they must keep in contact with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated about their condition.

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.

Perks or state pension whilst trapped in a foreign land

The stranded passenger will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for up to 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 land.

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

Any questions or doubts regarding benefit payments while in a foreign land can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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