The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but necessary travel abroad, cities and regions. This entails two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is totally indispensible Many airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will bring back residents that are presently stranded abroad. Further 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 employed for stuck citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

Additional info on going abroad and existing government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their destination – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Whole cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Customers are advised to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a compensation/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are recommended to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial reparation in situations where other measures do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to affected regions after a caution was issued in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are advised to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several situations, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the existing circumstances, problems surfacing as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those passengers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any extra charges for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have accepted a repayment, then the duty of worry terminates here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to seek more help. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in regard to a country that the customer selects to go to, and the customer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you think that your consumer 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 booked through an authorised booking site, then you ought to normally receive a repayment.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket retailer, the individual company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the business who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request 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 held until a rearranged or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

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

Cinema closings

Numerous of the larger film chains have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility 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 charges will resume, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as normal. Others are advising that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may alter, but options may be offered to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to provide the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special occasions

Marriages and special events could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a refund should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is essential.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the organiser should outline in detail the basis why a repayment is not possible, including any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the consumer.

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’ responsible when a service or product that has been paid for cannot be provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers 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 remain the same throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery companies have proclaimed delays on avoidable items for transporting medical supplies and necessary products. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the goods should be the first contact point.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that applies in different circumstances listed below.

Nevertheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is available by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering products from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the traderdepited
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the idea told to the trader

When asking for repair or replacement within first thirty days, then the consumer enters the wait period with the remaining 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair/replacement.

Buyers who feel that  any of the above do not apply to their products and have passed the initial 30 days after  ordering, might be eligible for repair/replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without causing considerable inconvenience

If a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they may rather be allowed to:

• Keep the products for a reduced rate
• Return the products for a repayment (total refund in six months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must suit the description provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during chats on the call or face to face

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

• A full refund if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and problem seen quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the goods are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the items do not go with the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different guidelines about reimbursements of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is no longer required or have booked travel to a annulled event should contact the travel provider for more information on their individual conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone abroad should return back to the UK, several are yet trapped with no way to come back home.

The Government has implemented measures such as specially chartered flights to help get citizens home, however this may take time. For the moment, they have made numerous recommendation about what those people who are stuck in a foreign country should do.

If somebody has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the client is residing will give suggestion and assistance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen should seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are typically 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 area where the UK citizen resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions necessary will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

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 more details on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If an affordable flight home cannot be booked

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

Those people having travel insurance should contact their service provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel may also check if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to people stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is even the choice for those trapped to contact their employer and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial assistance in a few circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people stuck 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 essentials, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in a few situations. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger has to take care for someone back in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they should ensure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be requested to carry on to do this until they return to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to take care of this person until they return.

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

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

If they are employed, they must be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated about their condition.

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

Perks or state pension while stranded in a foreign land

The stranded passenger will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around 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 abroad.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen stays abroad.

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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