The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel abroad, towns and locations. This entails two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely indispensible Several airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return citizens that are presently marooned abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel management company will be utilized for stranded residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

More details on going abroad and existing government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Customers are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a compensation/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reparation in situations where other ways do not.

If customers have organised travel to infected regions after a caution was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are recommended 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 affairs, various insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several situations, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed situations, and due to the current circumstances, problems occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those travellers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should also pay for any further costs for housing and any food essential. For those patrons who have received a refund, then the obligation of worry terminates here. It is then the duty of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where patrons feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current location to get further assistance. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in relation to a country that the traveller chooses to journey to, and the consumer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Consumers are insisted to verify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you think that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 by means of an authorised booking site, then you should normally obtain a reimbursement.

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

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

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or altered date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

Individual events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Patrons deciding not to be there – If customers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

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

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as normal. Others are instructing that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons are instucted to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

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

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be proposed to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to offer the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Deposits for weddings and special events

Weddings and special functions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the buyer, or person who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is vital.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the organiser should outline in detail the basis why a repayment is not possible, including any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the consumer.

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’ accountable when a product or service that has been paid for cannot be delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers 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 crisis. A few delivery and logistical firms have declared delays on unnecessary products in favour of shipping medical items and necessary items. For more info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the products must be the first contact point.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is valid in various circumstances below.

, 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

While purchasing items from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the tradertold
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose told to the dealer

If asking for repair or replacement within first thirty days, then the consumer enters the wait period with the remainder of the 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Buyers who believe that  any of the above don’t fit for their products and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, can be entitled to repair or replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in significant difficulty

In case a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they might instead be entitled to:

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced rate
• Return the items for a refund (complete repayment within six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the products must go with the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text
Any description during conversations over the phone or personally

If the purchaser thinks that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A full reimbursement if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are really worth

The burden of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the items do not match the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was delivered in words.

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

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

A valuable guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is not essential or have booked travel to a cancelled function should contact the travel service for additional details on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Though the Government has suggested that everyone in a foreign land must return back to the United Kingdom, several are still stuck with no way to come back home.

The Government has taken measures like especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, however this might take time. For the moment, they have made several recommendation about what people who are trapped in a foreign country need to do.

If someone suffers or thinks they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the buyer is staying will provide suggestion and help on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must take medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are generally shown 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 area where the UK citizen stays can be used to get in touch with 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 expiring, the measures necessary will depend on the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by visiting:

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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional details 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 air flight home cannot be found

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

Those with travel insurance must get in touch with their provider as the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel can 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 important to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is even the choice for those stranded to contact their employer and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary aid in some circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stuck don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has committed to making sure that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical supplies, food and water.

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can as well offer financial assistance in a few circumstances. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign land, they must ensure that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this till they return back 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 pressure regarding their job or self-employment

If they are employed, they should contact their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

If they are doing a job, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension whilst stranded in a foreign land

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

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for 13 weeks whilst in a foreign country.

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments whilst in a foreign land can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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