The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel abroad, towns and regions. 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 accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is absolutely indispensible Several 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 slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will return nationals that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel administration firm will be utilized for stuck nationals to book and pay for the flight back home.

Additional info on travelling abroad and present government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Whole amount of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some consumers, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Customers are suggested to contact their hotels, requesting a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial compensation in conditions where other ways do not.

If customers have arranged travel to infected zones after a warning was announced in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are advised to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have changed 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 unforeseen situations, and owing to the current condition, problems occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those passengers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any extra costs for accommodation and any food required. For those patrons who have taken a reimbursement, then the duty of care finishes here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is possible, or where patrons feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to get further help. Individual embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in regard to a country that the traveller selects to travel to, and the customer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Consumers are urged to verify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary 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 booked through an authorised booking site, then you ought to normally get a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the particular 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 case to ask for repayments. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or revised date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is incompatible, then a refund can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

Certain events may be different, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Patrons choosing not to attend – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is not much possibility of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Numerous of the big movie franchises have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service resumes as regular. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

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

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the facility due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special events

Marriages and special occasions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the service or arranging cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is essential.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a repayment is not possible, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ accountable when a service or product 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 contact 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 remain unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical companies have announced delays on non-essential items for shipping medical supplies and essential items. For more information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods should be the first contact point.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in various situations below.

But, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, 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 buying merchandise from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the sellertold
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the agent

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

Buyers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their products and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  ordering, may be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without leading to significant problem

In case a repair or replacement is not possible then they may instead be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a lesser price
• Return the items for a reimbursement (total reimbursement within 6 months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must match 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 conversations over the phone call or personally

If the purchaser feels that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A full reimbursement if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault noted instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to prove that the items do not go with the sellers description, which could be difficult if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different guidelines regarding reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the circumstances, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip which is no longer necessary or have planned travel to a annulled function should contact the travel provider for additional information on their individual conditions, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has suggested that every person in a foreign country should return back to the UK, a lot are yet trapped with no way to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps like especially chartered planes to help get citizens home, but this may take some time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous suggestions about what those stranded in a foreign country must do.

If somebody suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is staying will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are typically shown when someone has coronavirus. This is available 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 get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures mandatory will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by visiting:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for more details on transport home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those having travel insurance should get in touch with their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. People who can’t afford travel can even check if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is vital to contact friends and family to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / financial assistance

There is even the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their boss and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial aid in certain situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stranded don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If cash is over whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer monetary help in some situations. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to continue to do this until they come 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 support and advice.

If the trapped passenger has worries regarding their job or self-employment

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

If they are working, they can still 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 whilst trapped in a foreign land

The stranded person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to 4 weeks.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign country.

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

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments while in a foreign land can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or clicking:

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