The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This comprises two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad unless it is totally essential Various airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will return citizens that are currently stuck abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel management company will be utilized for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

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

Flights and hotel reserved independantly

Patrons are advised to call their hotels, asking for a compensation/change in dates. Various airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may payout financial reimbursement in situations where other means do not.

If customers have organised travel to affected areas after a warning was published in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are recommended to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain conditions, have modified 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 unprecedented circumstances, and owing to the current circumstances, problems surfacing as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those customers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any extra expenses for stay and any food vital. For those patrons who have taken a refund, then the responsibility of concern terminates here. It is then the duty of the traveller to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is probable, or where patrons feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in relation to a country that the customer selects to journey to, and the customer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to reimbursement.

Consumers are urged to certify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you think that your customer rights have been waived, 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 by means of an certified booking site, then you must genrally get a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the business who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for refunds. 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 postponed or altered date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is not fitting, then a refund can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

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

Cinema closures

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

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once service resumes as usual. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted 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 incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for every one of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

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

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

Weddings and special occasions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the service or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or person who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is vital.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should define in detail the reason why a refund is not possible, including any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients 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 entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can contact 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 the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have announced delays on uneeded products in favour of shipping medical items and essential products. For extra details on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods should be the first point of contact.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in different situations below.

Nonetheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering 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 products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the traderdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the idea made known to the trader

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

Consumers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their products and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without leading to considerable difficulty

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

• Keep the merchandise for a lesser rate
• Return back the items for a refund (full repayment in six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must go with the explanation provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an email or text
Any description during chats on the call or personally

If the purchaser feels that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A full refund if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and problem seen quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what was paid and what the items are worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the goods do not match the sellers description, which might be tough if the description was delivered in words.

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

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked a trip that is no longer required or have booked travel to a annulled event should get in touch with the travel service for more details on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has recommended that every person in a foreign country must return back to the UK, many are still stranded without any means to get home.

The Government has adopted measures like specially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, but this might take time. For the moment, they have made numerous suggestions regarding what people who are stranded in a foreign land should do.

If somebody suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

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

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when somebody 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 area where the UK citizen resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions mandatory will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, check out 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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If an affordable flight to home cannot be found

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

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

UK citizens who are stranded must also keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel companies.

It is important to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is also the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their manager and ask for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial help in some circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash runs out whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can even offer monetary help in some situations. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they must ensure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they return to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to look after this person until they come back.

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

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

If they are doing a job, they must contact their manager wherever possible to keep them updated about their condition.

If they are working, they can still be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension while stranded in a foreign country

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

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

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments while 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