The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This includes two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is utterly indispensible Several airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return residents that are presently stranded abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision company will be utilized for stranded residents to book and pay for the flight home.

Further details on travelling abroad and current government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

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

Hotel and Flights booked individually

Patrons are advised to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a compensation/change in dates. Several airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reimbursement in conditions where other ways do not.

If customers have planned travel to affected areas after a caution was announced in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to ensure the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain situations, have changed cover as a result 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 current situation, concerns occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those passengers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any additional expenses for accommodation and any food required. For those patrons who have taken a reimbursement, then the duty of concern finishes here. It is then the duty of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stranded, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain more support. Specific embassy locations can be found 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 country that the customer picks to travel to, and the customer picks to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Consumers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been breached, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and guidance.

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 official 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, oblige firms enlisted with them to reimburse the ticket’s face value price when an event is cancelled. This does not consist of the charges incurred for delivery.

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained 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 unsuitable, then a reimbursement 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 vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Patrons wishing not to attend – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the greater cinema groups have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further communication. For consumers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as usual. Others are advising that they will be resting payments for memberships. Customers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Specific terms and conditions may differ, but options may be advanced to delay 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 service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special events

Weddings and special events could probably be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the service or organising 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 obtained back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is essential.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the planner should outline in detail the reason why a repayment is not probable, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable 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 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 are unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery companies have declared delays on avoidable items for shipping medical supplies and necessary items. For additional information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the products should be the first contact point.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in various circumstances mentioned below.

However, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, 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 purchasing goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the agenttold
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Fit for the purpose made known to the agent

If 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.

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

• Cost-free
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical timescale
• Without causing considerable trouble

If a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they might rather be allowed to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must go with the description provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during discussions on the phone call or in person

If the buyer believes that the goods do not go with the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A total refund if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and issue noted immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the products do not go with the sellers description, that might be hard if the description was delivered verbally.

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

Scotrail are offering refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the situation, and an administration charge may apply, depending upon the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked a trip which is no longer required or have planned travel to a cancelled event should call the travel service for additional info on their individual conditions, including refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that every person abroad must return back to the UK, many are still stranded with no way to get back home.

The Government has implemented measures such as especially chartered planes to help get citizens home, but this may take some time. In the meantime, they have made several recommendation regarding what those people who are trapped in a foreign country need to do.

If someone has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the customer is staying will give advice and help on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when someone 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 area where the UK citizen stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, look at the travel advice for that nation 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 contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If an affordable flight to home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for more details on going back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip home.

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

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / financial aid

There is even the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their boss and request for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary help in some circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those stuck do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If money is over whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can even offer monetary assistance in some circumstances. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this till they return to the UK.

They could request friends or family to look after this person until they fly 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 job or self-employment

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

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.

Benefits or state pension while stranded in a foreign land

The trapped person will still receive 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, each one is payable for 13 weeks whilst in a foreign land.

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

Any questions or concerns 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 checking out:

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