The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign countries, towns and locations. This entails two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is totally indispensible Various airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to lower the spread of the virus.

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

More details on travelling abroad and present government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their region – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

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

Flights and hotel reserved individually

Customers are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/modification in dates. Many airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial reparation in circumstances where other ways do not.

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

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, various insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in some conditions, have changed cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the current circumstances, issues arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those customers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must also pay for any extra costs for accommodation and any food required. For those consumers who have taken a refund, then the obligation of care terminates here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present location to seek additional help. Specific embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in relation to a destination that the customer picks to travel to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Customers are insisted to check policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you belive 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 booked through an certified booking site, then you should usually receive a refund.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket retailer, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the company who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for refunds. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

Specific events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers wishing 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 cessations

Numerous of the big film chains have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service resumes as regular. Others are instructing that they will be resting payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended 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 cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for every one of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to recent conditions.

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

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company providing the service or arranging cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever 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 may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the reason why a refund is not probable, consisting 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’ 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 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 remain unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery and logistical companies have declared delays on uneeded items for shipping medical items and necessary items. For more information on orders placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the goods should be the first point of contact.

We have outlined the important consumer rights legislation that is valid in different circumstances listed below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying items from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the traderdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose made known to the seller

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

Buyers who believe that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their products and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  purchase, may be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in significant trouble

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

• Keep the products for a lesser rate
• Return the merchandise for a reimbursement (total refund within six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the products must suit the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during chats over the call or in person

If the customer thinks that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A full reimbursement if the goods have not been accepted (not used and problem noticed immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the products don’t match the sellers description, which might be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the situation, and an administration charge might apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip that is not needed or have booked travel to a cancelled occasion should contact the travel provider for more details on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has advised that every person abroad should return to the UK, several are still stuck without any means to come back home.

The Government has adopted steps such as specially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, however this might take some time. In the meantime, they have made several recommendation regarding what those stranded abroad need to do.

If somebody has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the client is residing will give suggestion and help on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when a person 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 area where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate 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 coming to an end soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions necessary will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, 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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If an affordable flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for more details on flying back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

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

UK citizens who are stuck should even keep themselves informed on the notice from local travel firms.

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

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is even the option for those trapped to contact their employer and ask for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary aid in some situations. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those stranded don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If money runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well provide monetary assistance in a few circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded abroad, they should ascertain that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they fly back to the UK.

They may request family or friends to look after this person till they return back.

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

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

If they are employed, they should contact their manager wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

If they are employed, 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 whilst stranded in a foreign land

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

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each payable for 13 weeks whilst abroad.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen stays in a foreign land.

Any questions or doubts about 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 visiting:

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