The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign countries, cities and regions. This includes two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel abroad unless it is utterly indispensible Many airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are currently stranded abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision company will be used for marooned citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More information on travelling abroad and present government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to 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 expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Flights and hotel booked individually

Customers are advised to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a refund/modification in dates. Many airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are advised to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial reimbursement in situations where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to infected regions after a notice was published in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are urged to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company promptly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several conditions, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the present circumstances, concerns arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline must also pay for any extra costs for housing and any food required. For those patrons who have accepted a reimbursement, then the responsibility of concern terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where consumers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current locality to seek further support. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

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

Travellers are urged to certify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a repayment due. If you belive that your customer 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 by means of an authorised booking site, then you must usually obtain a refund.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory organisation and as such, require firms enlisted with them to refund 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 retailer, 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 instance to ask for refunds. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is unsuitable, then a refund can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Certain events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers deciding not to be there – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the greater movie chains have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once service recommences as regular. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

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

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

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

Marriages and special functions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company catering the service or managing cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is essential.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should define in detail the cause why a repayment is not conceivable, including any costs they have experienced 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’ 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 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 are unchanged throughout the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical companies have proclaimed delays on avoidable products in favour of shipping medical items and vital products. For extra information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the items must be the very first point of contact.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that applies in various situations listed below.

However, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, covering 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 items from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the agentmentioned
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Fit for the purpose explained to the seller

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

Customers who feel that  any of the above do not apply to their goods and have gone beyond the first thirty days after  purchase, may be entitled to repair or replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical timescale
• Without causing considerable problem

If a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they may instead be entitled to:

• Keep the goods for a reduced rate
• Return back the goods for a reimbursement (total repayment in six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

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

If the purchaser feels that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A complete re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and defect noticed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, which could be difficult if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different policies regarding refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked travel which is not necessary or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should call the travel provider for additional details on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has Informed that every person abroad should return to the United Kingdom, many are still trapped with no way to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps like specially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, but this may take some time. For the timebeing, they have made several recommendation about what those stranded abroad must do.

If somebody has or believes they are infected by coronavirus

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

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are typically displayed when someone 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 contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, 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 measures required will depend upon the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by checking out:

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 more information on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

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

Those people having travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel may even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are trapped should even keep themselves updated on the declarations from local travel companies.

It is vital to contact friends and family to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to those stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is even the choice for those trapped to contact their employer and ask for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary aid in some circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stuck don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If money runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well offer financial aid in a few circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this until they come back to the UK.

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

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, 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 stranded 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 queries or concerns about benefit payments while abroad 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