The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This includes two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is absolutely essential Several airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that several countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will return citizens that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration company will be employed for stuck residents to reserve and pay for the flight home.

More details on going abroad and present government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Complete cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some customers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they booked through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Patrons are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a compensation/change in dates. Various airlines are allowing travellers 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

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

If consumers have organised travel to affected zones after a warning was announced in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several conditions, 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 due to the existing condition, issues occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those travellers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any additional costs for accommodation and any food essential. For those patrons who have received a repayment, then the obligation of concern terminates here. It is then the duty of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is probable, or where customers feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to obtain additional assistance. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers opting to cancel their travel plans

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

Consumers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a repayment due. If you feel that your customer rights have been waived, 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 by means of an official booking site, then you must genrally obtain a repayment.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket seller, 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 instance to request reimbursements. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a postponed or altered date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is incompatible, 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.

Specific events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

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

Cinema closures

Numerous of the big cinema franchises have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as regular. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended 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 costs incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for all of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but options may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to offer the amenity due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a reimbursement should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special occasions

Weddings and special occasions could potentially be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for whatever that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is key.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should outline in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not probable, consisting 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 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 entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers 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 unchanged during the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery firms have announced delays on uneeded products in favour of shipping medical items and vital goods. For additional details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the items must be the first contact point.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that applies in various circumstances mentioned below.

Nonetheless, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is available by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering merchandise from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealertold
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the seller

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

Buyers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their products and have passed the first 30 days after  ordering, might be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in considerable inconvenience

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they might instead be entitled to:

• Keep the products for a lesser price
• Return back the merchandise for a reimbursement (total reimbursement within 6 months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the goods must match the explanation given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text
Any description during discussions over the phone call or in person

If the customer feels that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A total re-payment if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault observed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the client to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, which might be hard if the description was delivered orally.

Rail companies and travel services have different guidelines about re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

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

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 planned travel which is not required or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should contact the travel provider for additional details on their individual conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Though the Government has suggested that everybody abroad must come back to the United Kingdom, several are still stuck without any means to come back home.

The Government has adopted steps like specially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, however this might take time. Meanwhile, they have made several suggestions about what those people who are stuck in a foreign land should do.

If somebody suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the buyer is residing will provide suggestion and help on what to do if someone suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen must take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when someone is infected by 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary will depend upon the region that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out 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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If an affordable air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional information on going back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

People having travel insurance should get in touch with their service provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel could even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves stuck should also keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel firms.

It is important to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to those stuck to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is also the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their employer and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial aid in certain situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in some situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be requested to carry on to do this till they fly back to the UK.

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

If no option is available, the home local authority must be contacted for further suggestion and help.

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

If they are employed, they must keep in contact with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are employed, 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.

Benefits or state pension while stuck abroad

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

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

Any queries or doubts about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be answered 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