The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This includes two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries except if it is utterly essential Several airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back citizens that are currently stuck abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision firm will be employed for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Entire cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but customers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved separately

Customers are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a repayment/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are permitting passengers 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 recommended to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial compensation in situations where other means do not.

If consumers have planned travel to affected areas after a caution was published in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are recommended to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain situations, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented conditions, and due to the existing condition, concerns surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those travellers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any extra charges for housing and any food vital. For those customers who have taken a repayment, then the duty of care ends here. It is then the obligation of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is conceivable, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current locality to get further help. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in relation to a country that the customer selects to go to, and the traveller selects to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Customers are advised to verify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a reimbursement 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 via an official booking site, then you should genrally get a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket merchant, the specific company terms and conditions are referred. 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 rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a rearranged or changed date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Patrons choosing not to be there – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

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

A few of the larger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will continue, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities restarts as regular. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Customers are advised to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been charges incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for each of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to current conditions.

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

Marriages and special events could potentially be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is essential.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not probable, including any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible when a service or product 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 contact their bank and attempt 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 unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery firms have announced delays on non-essential goods for delivering medical items and necessary items. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the products must be the first point of contact.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that applies in various circumstances mentioned below.

, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is available by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While buying items from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the sellermentioned
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the dealer

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

Customers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their products and have passed the first 30 days after  ordering, might be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without resulting in significant difficulty

In case a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they may rather be entitled to:

• Keep the items for a lower price
• Return back the goods for a repayment (full repayment within six months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must suit the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during chats over the call or in person

If the purchaser feels that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

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

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the items don’t match the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was given in words.

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

Scotrail are providing refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have planned a trip which is not needed or have planned travel to a annulled function should contact the travel provider for additional information on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that everyone abroad should come back to the United Kingdom, several are still trapped with no way to get home.

The Government has implemented steps such as especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, but this might take time. In the meanwhile, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what people who are trapped abroad must do.

If someone has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is staying will give suggestion and help on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are normally shown when a person is infected by 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 stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary 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 located by checking out:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a reasonably priced flight home cannot be found

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

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

UK citizens who are stuck should also keep themselves updated on the declarations from local travel firms.

It is vital 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 might transfer cash to those people stuck to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is also the option for those trapped 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 monetary assistance in some circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people trapped don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has promised to ensuring that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical supplies, food and water.

If money runs out whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can as well offer monetary assistance in some situations. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they must contact their boss wherever possible to keep them informed about their situation.

If they are employed, 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.

Perks or state pension while trapped in a foreign land

The stranded person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around a month.

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

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen has been abroad.

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments while in a foreign country can be answered 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