The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, cities and locations. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is utterly vital Several airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will return residents that are presently stranded abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel administration firm will be used for stranded nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on travelling abroad and present government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Due a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

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

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Consumers are recommended to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/modification in dates. Various airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reparation in situations where other means do not.

If consumers have planned travel to affected areas after a caution was issued in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are advised to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed situations, and due to the existing circumstances, concerns arising 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 passengers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any further expenses for accommodation and any food vital. For those patrons who have taken a repayment, then the duty of care ends here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

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

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in regard to a country that the customer chooses to journey to, and the traveller chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are advised to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 booked via an official booking site, then you must usually receive a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the particular company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the company who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rescheduled or altered date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers wishing not to show up – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

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

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as normal. Others are instructing that they will be resting 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 terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been expenditures paid for hotels and travel, then the businesses for all of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

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

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

Marriages and special functions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is essential.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the planner should define in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not possible, consisting 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 clients 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 delivered.

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 unaffected during the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery companies have announced delays on avoidable products in favour of shipping medical items and necessary products. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the products must be the first point of contact.

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

, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is accessible by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing merchandise from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the sellertold
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the purpose told to the seller

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

Customers who think that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their products and have exceeded the initial 30 days after  purchase, might be entitled to repair or replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical time frame
• Without causing considerable inconvenience

If a replacement or repair is not possible then they may instead be allowed to:

• Keep the goods for a lower price
• Return back the products for a reimbursement (full repayment in six months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must suit the description given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during discussions over the phone or in person

If the purchaser feels that the items do not go with the seller’s description, then they might be eligible for;

• A complete refund if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and defect noticed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the products are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods do not go with the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was given orally.

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

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

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned a trip that is not essential or have booked travel to a cancelled occasion should get in touch with the travel provider for additional details on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Although the Government has advised that everyone abroad should come back to the United Kingdom, a lot are still stuck without any means to come back home.

The Government has taken steps such as especially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, but this may take time. For the moment, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those stranded abroad should do.

If someone has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the buyer is residing will give suggestion and help on what to do if someone has, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when a person is suffering from 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions necessary will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found 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 info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be booked

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

Those people having travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel could even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are trapped must even keep themselves updated on the messages from local travel firms.

It is essential to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to those people stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary assistance

There is also the option for those trapped to contact their manager and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary help in some circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stuck do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If money runs out whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can as well offer financial help in a few circumstances. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they should ascertain that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this until they return back to the UK.

They may ask friends or family to look after this person till they fly back.

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

If the stranded passenger has tension about their employment or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they must be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

If they are doing a job, 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.

Benefits or state pension while stranded in a foreign land

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around 4 weeks.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each one is payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign land.

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments while in a foreign land can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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