The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This includes 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 available 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries unless it is utterly indispensible Several airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will return residents that are currently stranded abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision firm will be used for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

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

Flights and hotel booked separately

Customers are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are allowing commuters to rebook flights for free.

In situations 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 certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reimbursement in circumstances where other measures do not.

If patrons have planned travel to affected regions after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are urged to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly 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 circumstances, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen circumstances, and owing to the current condition, problems surfacing as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those travellers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any additional costs for housing and any food required. For those consumers who have received a repayment, then the obligation of care finishes here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to get additional help. Specific 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 notice published in relation to a country that the consumer picks to journey to, and the consumer picks to call off their plans, then there is no automatic right to reimbursement.

Consumers are advised to verify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a repayment due. If you think that your customer rights have been breached, 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 reserved through an authorised booking site, then you should genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a rescheduled 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 refund can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers wishing not to be there – If consumers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the larger movie chains have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will continue, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once service recommences as normal. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for all of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but choices may be advanced to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to provide the facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special events

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the service or managing cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is key.

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

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ accountable when a product or service 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 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 are unaffected during the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on non-essential products for shipping medical supplies and essential items. For additional details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods should be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the important consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various situations listed below.

But, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including 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

When ordering goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellertold
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the dealer

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

Purchasers who think that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their items and have passed the first thirty days after  purchase, might be eligible for repair or replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in significant difficulty

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

• Keep the goods for a lesser price
• Return the products for a reimbursement (complete refund in six months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must suit the description given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an email or text
Any description during chats over the phone or face to face

If the purchaser feels that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A complete refund if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and problem noted quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the products are really worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the items do not go with the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was delivered verbally.

Rail companies and travel services have different guidelines regarding refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly because of the circumstances, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending on 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 Those people who have planned a trip which is no longer required or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should call the travel service for more info on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Though the Government has advised that everyone in a foreign country must return back to the UK, many are still stranded with no way to get home.

The Government has taken steps like especially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, however this may take some time. For the timebeing, they have made a lot of suggestions about what people who are trapped in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the buyer is residing will provide suggestion and assistance on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are generally shown when someone 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 contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions necessary will depend upon the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, 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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a inexpensive air flight to home cannot be booked

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

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

UK citizens who find themselves stranded must even keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel companies.

It is important to contact family and friends to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

There is even the choice for those trapped to contact their employer and ask for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial aid in a few situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

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

The UK Government has committed to making sure that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical essentials, food and water.

If money runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide monetary help in certain situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they should make sure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

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

If they are employed, 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.

Perks or state pension while stuck abroad

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to 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 regardless of how long the citizen has been in a foreign country.

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments while in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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