The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel abroad, cities and regions. This includes two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries except if it is totally indispensible Many airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back residents that are presently stuck abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management firm will be utilized for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

Additional details on going abroad and existing government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their region – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for further clarification.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Consumers are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are urged to check the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial reimbursement in circumstances where other means do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected regions after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are urged to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in several conditions, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the existing situation, issues occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those passengers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should also pay for any additional costs for housing and any food required. For those patrons who have taken a repayment, then the duty of worry terminates here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is possible, or where customers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present location to seek more support. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in regard to a country that the customer picks to travel to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Customers are advised to check policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a repayment due. If you belive that your customer rights have been waived, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and advice.

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 via an certified booking site, then you must normally obtain a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the specific 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 ask for repayments. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a rescheduled or revised date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is not fitting, then a refund can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers deciding not to attend – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the larger movie franchises have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities resumes as usual. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons are instucted to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel costs

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

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but options may be proposed to reschedule 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 service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special occasions

Weddings and special functions could probably be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company offering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying 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 refund is not conceivable, including 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 consumers for orders 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, clients can contact their bank and attempt to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain the same during the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery firms have proclaimed delays on avoidable goods in favour of delivering medical items and necessary items. For extra info on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the items must be the first contact point.

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

Nonetheless, a more inclusive 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 goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerexplained
• Exactly like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Perfect for the purpose explained to the seller

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

Customers who think that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their goods and have passed the initial thirty days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical timescale
• Without causing considerable problem

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they might rather be permitted to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must go with the explanation provided by the seller. This includes:

• 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 purchaser feels that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A total reimbursement if the products have not been accepted (not used and issue seen quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the goods do not match the sellers description, that could be hard if the description was given verbally.

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

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the situation, and an administration fee may apply, 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 function should call the travel provider for more information on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone in a foreign country should come back to the United Kingdom, many are still stranded with no means to get home.

The Government has implemented steps such as specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this might take time. For the timebeing, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those people who are trapped in a foreign land should do.

If someone has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is residing will provide advice and assistance on what to do if someone has, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are normally displayed when somebody is suffering from 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 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 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 actions required will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by checking out:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a inexpensive air flight home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional information on flying back home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those people with travel insurance must contact their provider as the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel could even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are stranded must also keep themselves updated on the announcements from local travel companies.

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

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the option for those stuck to contact their boss and request for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial assistance in certain situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stuck do not have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If cash runs out whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in a few situations. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign land, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is looking after this person, they may be requested to carry on to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

If no other choice is available, the home local authority should be contacted for further suggestion and help.

If the stranded passenger has worries regarding their employment or self-employment

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

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 stranded in a foreign country

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around a month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, they are each 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 questions or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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