The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This entails two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely vital Several airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are currently marooned abroad. Additional information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management company will be utilized for stuck nationals to book and pay for the flight home.

More info on travelling abroad and current government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Whole expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening certainly for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Customers are suggested to call their hotels, requesting a repayment/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial compensation in situations where other ways do not.

If patrons have planned travel to infected regions after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are urged to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, various insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have modified 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 circumstances, and due to the existing circumstances, concerns arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those customers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must also pay for any extra charges for stay and any food vital. For those patrons who have accepted a refund, then the duty of care terminates here. It is then the duty of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek further help. Specific embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice released in regard to a destination that the consumer picks to travel to, and the traveller chooses to call off their plans, then there is no automatic right to reimbursement.

Travellers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a refund due. If you feel 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 by means of an official booking site, then you should usually receive a reimbursement.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket merchant, the particular company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the business who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request reimbursements. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or revised date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be requested via the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons deciding not to be there – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the greater movie groups have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service recommences as usual. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are advised to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be advanced to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to offer the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special occasions

Marriages and special events could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the service or managing cancels, then a refund should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is key.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should outline in detail the cause why a reimbursement is not probable, consisting 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 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 delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, clients 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 scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on avoidable products for transporting medical supplies and essential products. For more info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the products must be the initial contact point.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations below.

However, 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

While purchasing merchandise from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellermentioned
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose made known to the seller

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

Consumers who believe that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their items and have exceeded the first thirty days after  ordering, may be entitled to repair or replacement which is –

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

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

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an email or text
Any description during conversations on the phone or personally

If the customer feels that the items do not go with the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A total re-payment if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what was paid and what the items are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to confirmverify that the items don’t go with the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel services have different rules regarding refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might apply, depending upon 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 Those people who have booked a trip which is no longer needed or have booked travel to a cancelled event should contact the travel service for additional details on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone in a foreign land must return to the UK, several are yet stranded without any means to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures like especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, however this may take some time. In the meantime, they have made numerous suggestions about what those stranded abroad must do.

If someone suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is residing will provide advice and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident must take medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are generally revealed when somebody 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 resides can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend on the region that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by visiting:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a inexpensive air flight to home cannot be found

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

Those with travel insurance should contact their service provider because the insurance 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 also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves stranded should also keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel firms.

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

Employment & benefits / monetary support

There is also the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and ask for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary assistance in a few circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or people trapped don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can even offer financial assistance in some circumstances. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they return to the UK.

They could ask friends or family to look after this person until they fly back.

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

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

If they are working, they must keep in contact with their manager wherever possible to keep them informed on their situation.

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

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign country

The stranded person 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, each one is payable for thirteen weeks whilst in a foreign land.

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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