The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel abroad, towns and regions. This includes two important travel advisory 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, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely essential Various airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that several countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to slow the spread of the virus.

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

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Patrons are recommended to contact their hotels, asking for a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

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

If patrons have organised travel to infected areas after a notice was published in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are recommended to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed conditions, and due to the current condition, issues occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those travellers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any further charges for stay and any food required. For those customers who have accepted a refund, then the obligation of care finishes here. It is then the duty of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in relation to a destination that the customer chooses to go to, and the consumer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Travellers are insisted to check policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary or a refund 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 booked through an certified booking site, then you must normally obtain 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 refund the ticket’s face value cost when an event is cancelled. This does not include the fee incurred for delivery.

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the possibility 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 issue with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is incompatible, then a repayment can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers deciding not to attend – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the big cinema groups have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as normal. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers 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 cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been costs incurred 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 possibilities 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 incapable to deliver the facility due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special functions

Marriages and special functions could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a repayment should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, 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 reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around delaying the event is key.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should define in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not probable, consisting any costs they have experienced 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’ 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, buyers can get in touch with 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 unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery companies have declared delays on uneeded goods for shipping medical supplies and vital items. For extra details on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods must be the initial point of contact.

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

Nevertheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including 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 purchasing merchandise from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the agentdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the idea made known to the dealer

If requesting for repair/replacement within first thirty days, then the shopper enters the wait period with the remaining thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Customers who think that  any of the above don’t fit for their items and have passed the first 30 days after  ordering, may be eligible for replacement or repair which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be permanent
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic time frame
• Without leading to considerable inconvenience

If a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they might rather be permitted to:

• Keep the merchandise for a lesser rate
• Return back the items for a repayment (full reimbursement within 6 months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must match the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during discussions on the phone call or personally

If the purchaser feels that the products do not go with the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A full re-payment if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and defect noted immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to prove that the items do not go with the sellers description, that can be tough if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel services have different guidelines about reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration fee might apply, depending upon the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel which is not required or have booked travel to a annulled event should contact the travel service for more information on their individual conditions, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has advised that every person abroad must return back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still stuck with no way to come back home.

The Government has implemented steps such as specially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this may take some time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous suggestions regarding what people who are stuck in a foreign land must do.

If someone suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is staying will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are typically revealed when someone is infected by 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend on the location 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 located by checking out:

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 more details on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for more info on going back home. They may be able to delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

People having travel insurance must contact their service provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. People who cannot afford travel could even check if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those stuck to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is also the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their manager and ask for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial assistance in some circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stranded do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has committed to guaranteeing that British citizens in foreign country have access to housing, medical supplies, water and food.

If money is over whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can as well provide financial aid in some circumstances. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for a family member back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to continue to do this till they come back to the UK.

They could request friends or family to look after this person until they return.

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

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

If they are working, they should be in touch with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated on their condition.

If they are employed, they can still 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 while trapped abroad

The trapped person will still get 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 land.

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

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

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