The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, cities and areas. This comprises two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely essential Several airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back nationals that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management company will be employed for stuck nationals to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Additional info on going abroad and existing government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Whole cost of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

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

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are recommended to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial compensation in situations where other means do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to affected zones after a notice was issued in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are urged to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some conditions, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented circumstances, and owing to the current condition, issues surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those customers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should also pay for any additional charges for accommodation and any food required. For those patrons who have accepted a refund, then the responsibility of worry ends here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to arrange travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is probable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain further assistance. Individual 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 published in regard to a destination that the traveller picks to go to, and the consumer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 reserved via an official booking site, then you should genrally receive a refund.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket retailer, the individual company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the company who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or altered date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

Specific events may be different, contingent on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Consumers wishing not to attend – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Numerous of the greater cinema franchises have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly fees will resume, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as usual. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but choices may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

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

Marriages and special functions could potentially be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the service or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement 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 retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is key.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not probable, including any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the buyer.

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 product or service that has been paid for cannot be provided.

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 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 crisis. Some delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on avoidable items for shipping medical supplies and necessary items. For extra information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods should be the initial point of contact.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is applicable in various circumstances mentioned below.

However, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is accessible by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While buying items from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the agentexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the idea made known to the dealer

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

Customers who believe that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their items and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  purchase, can be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

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

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

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during conversations on the call or in person

If the customer believes that the products don’t match the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A complete refund if the goods have not been accepted (not used and problem noted immediately)
• 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 purchaser to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was delivered in words.

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

Scotrail are giving refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit due to the situation, and an administration fee might be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

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 that is not needed or have planned travel to a cancelled function should contact the travel service for additional info on their individual conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Although the Government has Informed that everyone abroad must return to the UK, several are yet stuck with no way to get home.

The Government has taken measures like specially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, however this may take some time. For the timebeing, they have made several recommendation about what those trapped abroad need to do.

If somebody suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the client is residing will give advice and assistance on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen should take medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are normally revealed when a person 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 stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions mandatory will depend upon the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by checking out:

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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight home cannot be booked

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

People having travel insurance should contact their service provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel may even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is important to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to those people stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary assistance

There is also the option for those stuck to contact their boss and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial assistance in a few circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If cash runs out whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can even offer monetary assistance in certain circumstances. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they should ascertain that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this until they come back to the UK.

They could ask family or friends to take care of 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 worries about their job or self-employment

If they are working, they should keep in contact with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated on their condition.

If they are employed, they can however 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 trapped abroad

The stranded 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, they are each payable for thirteen weeks whilst in a foreign land.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen stays in a foreign country.

Any questions or doubts about 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 clicking:

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