The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel abroad, cities and areas. This comprises two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is utterly indispensible Many airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will return residents that are presently stranded abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration firm will be utilized for stuck nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More info on going abroad and existing government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Whole expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked individually

Customers are advised to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/change in dates. Various airlines are letting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may payout financial reparation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to affected regions after a notice was issued in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented situations, and due to the present condition, issues surfacing as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those customers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must furthermore pay for any further costs for housing and any food vital. For those customers who have received a repayment, then the responsibility of care terminates here. It is then the duty of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is conceivable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to get further assistance. Individual embassy locations can be acquired 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 notice published in relation to a country that the traveller chooses to journey to, and the consumer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Travellers are insisted to verify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a reimbursement due. If you belive that your customer 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 reserved by means of an certified booking site, then you ought to usually receive a repayment.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket retailer, the specific company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the corporation 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.

Postponed events

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

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

Specific events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Customers wishing not to show up – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the greater cinema franchises have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as regular. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been costs suffered for hotels and travel, then the establishments for all of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Seperate terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent circumstances.

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

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company providing the service or managing cancels, then a repayment should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around postponing the event is essential.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the planner should outline in detail the basis why a refund is not possible, comprising any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the customer.

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’ responsible 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, 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 remain the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery firms have proclaimed delays on unnecessary items in favour of transporting medical supplies and essential goods. For additional information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the items must be the first point of contact.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is applicable in different circumstances mentioned below.

Nevertheless, a complete 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 products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the dealerexplained
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose made known to the seller

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

Customers who believe that  any of the above don’t apply to their products and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, may be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without leading to considerable trouble

In case a replacement or repair is not possible then they might instead be allowed to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lower rate
• Return the items for a reimbursement (full repayment 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 buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must go with the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during chats over the phone call or personally

If the purchaser thinks that the goods do not match the seller’s description, then they might be entitled to;

• A total refund if the goods have not been accepted (not used and fault observed immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the items do not go with the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was delivered verbally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different rules regarding re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are giving refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel which is not essential or have booked travel to a annulled function should call the travel provider for more info on their individual terms, along with refund guidelines.

Although the Government has suggested that every person abroad should come back to the United Kingdom, many are still stranded without any means to get home.

The Government has adopted steps like especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For now, they have made several suggestions regarding what those people who are stuck in a foreign land must do.

If somebody has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the buyer is staying will give advice and assistance on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen should take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when someone is infected by 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 contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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 mandatory will depend on the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that nation 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 contact the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If an affordable air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for additional information on transport home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those having travel insurance must contact their service provider as the 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 see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

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

Employment & perks / financial support

There is also the option for those stuck to contact their employer and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial aid in some situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those trapped do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash is over whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in certain circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to take care for a relative in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ensure that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they may be asked to continue to do this until they return to the UK.

They could request family or friends to take care of this person until they fly back.

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

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

If they are employed, they should contact their manager wherever possible to keep them updated on 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 while stuck abroad

The trapped passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country 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 regardless of how long the citizen has been abroad.

Any queries or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst abroad 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