The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel abroad, cities and regions. This entails two main 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 open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is totally indispensible Several airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return residents that are currently stuck abroad. Further information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management firm will be utilized for stranded nationals to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further details on going abroad and current government suggestions 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 option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Entire cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for further clarification.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Customers are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are recommended to make sure the details of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial reimbursement in circumstances where other measures do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to infected zones after a warning was published in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are recommended to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company directly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in some conditions, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the present circumstances, concerns occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those travellers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any extra charges for stay and any food required. For those customers who have taken a repayment, then the responsibility of worry ends here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain further support. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in relation to a country that the customer selects to journey to, and the consumer picks to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to repayment.

Customers are insisted to verify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is required or a refund due. If you think 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 reserved by means of an certified booking site, then you must normally get a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory body and as such, oblige firms enlisted with them to repay the ticket’s face value price when an event is cancelled. This does not include the fee incurred 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 formerly 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 rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a rearranged or revised date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Patrons choosing not to attend – If customers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the larger movie groups have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already bought tickets, refunds 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 payments will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as normal. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

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

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to offer the facility due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special events

Weddings and special events could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue providing the ceremony or managing cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for everything that can be retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is essential.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should outline in detail the basis why a repayment is not possible, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable 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 and 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 throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on unnecessary goods for transporting medical items and necessary items. For more information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the items must be the initial contact point.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different circumstances mentioned below.

However, a more inclusive 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

While purchasing items from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerdescribed
• Exactly like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the purpose explained to the agent

If requesting for repair or replacement in the first 30 days, then the buyer enters the wait period with the remaining thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair/replacement.

Buyers who feel that  any of the above don’t fit for their goods and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  ordering, may be entitled to repair or replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical time frame
• Without causing considerable trouble

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

• Keep the goods for a lower rate
• Return the items for a repayment (full repayment in six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must match the explanation given by the seller. This includes:

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

If the buyer believes that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A complete reimbursement if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and fault seen instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the items don’t go with the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies regarding reimbursements of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a little because of the situation, and an administration fee may apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is not needed or have booked travel to a annulled function should get in touch with the travel service for additional information on their individual terms, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has advised that everybody in a foreign country must return back to the UK, a lot are yet stranded without any means to get back home.

The Government has implemented measures such as specially chartered planes to help bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For now, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what people who are stuck abroad must do.

If someone has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is residing will give suggestion and assistance on what to do if somebody has, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident should seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically displayed when a person 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, look at 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 contact the local authorities. For additional details 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 a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional information on going back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those having travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who can’t afford travel could even check if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is important to contact friends and family to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary assistance

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

If cash runs out, or people stranded don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well offer monetary assistance in certain situations. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they must ensure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be requested to continue to do this until they fly back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are working, they must contact their manager wherever possible to keep them updated on 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 make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension while stranded in a foreign country

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

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed 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