The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel to foreign land, towns and locations. This includes two key 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 currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is absolutely vital Various airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back residents that are presently marooned abroad. Further information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel management firm will be employed for marooned residents to reserve and pay for the flight home.

More details on going abroad and current government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening certainly for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for extra explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved independantly

Patrons are suggested to call their hotels, requesting a repayment/modification in dates. Several airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial reparation in circumstances where other means do not.

If customers have organised travel to infected regions after a caution was issued in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are urged to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain circumstances, have changed cover as a outcome of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented conditions, and due to the present condition, problems arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those customers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any additional expenses for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the responsibility of concern ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current locality to seek further support. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice released in relation to a destination that the customer picks to journey to, and the consumer picks to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Customers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a repayment due. If you think that your consumer rights have been violated, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and assistance.

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 get a repayment.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a postponed or changed date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is unsuitable, then a repayment can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Individual events may be different, contingent on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Customers choosing not to be there – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the larger film chains have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already bought tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as usual. 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 terminated due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for each of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but choices may be offered to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

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

Weddings and special events could probably be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company catering the service or organising cancels, then a refund should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is key.

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

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’ 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, consumers 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 remain unchanged during the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on avoidable products in favour of transporting medical supplies and necessary items. For more info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods should be the very first point of contact.

We have explained the important consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different situations below.

, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is available by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose made known to the trader

When requesting 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/replacement.

Buyers who think that  any of the above do not fit for their goods and have passed the initial thirty days after  purchase, can be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without causing significant difficulty

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

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the goods must suit the explanation given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during discussions on the call or face to face

If the buyer thinks that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they might be eligible for;

• A complete refund if the items have not been accepted (not used and problem observed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was given orally.

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

Scotrail are giving refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might apply, depending on the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel that is not required or have planned travel to a annulled function should contact the travel service for additional info on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has recommended that everybody abroad must return back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still trapped without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures such as specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, but this might take time. For the moment, they have made numerous suggestions about what people who are trapped abroad need to do.

If someone suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is staying will provide suggestion and assistance on what to do if someone has, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally revealed when someone has 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 resides can be used to contact 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 click:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that country 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 more information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more information on transport home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

Those people having travel insurance should get in touch with their 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 can also check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves stuck must even keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is vital to contact friends and family to ensure they know 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 support

There is even the choice for those stranded to contact their employer and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial help in a few circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those trapped don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide financial aid in a few circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they must ensure that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they fly back to the UK.

They could request friends or family to look after this person until they come back.

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

If the trapped passenger has pressure about their employment or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they must keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

If they are working, 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 stranded passenger will still receive 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, they are each payable for 13 weeks whilst abroad.

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

Any questions or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign land 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