The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign land, cities and regions. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely indispensible Several airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

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

More information on going abroad and present government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Due a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Entire cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some customers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Customers are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a compensation/change in dates. Many airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are recommended to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial reimbursement in situations where other measures do not.

If consumers have organised travel to affected zones after a warning was published in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are recommended to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in several situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed conditions, and due to the existing condition, concerns occuring 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 obligation of concern to those passengers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any additional expenses for housing and any food required. For those customers who have received a repayment, then the responsibility of concern terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is possible, or where consumers feel stuck, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present locality to get further help. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in relation to a destination that the traveller chooses to go to, and the traveller chooses to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Consumers are advised to verify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a refund due. If you belive that your customer 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 reserved through an authorised booking site, then you ought to usually obtain a repayment.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket retailer, the individual 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 refunds. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or altered date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a repayment can be asked for through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers choosing not to attend – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the big cinema groups have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as normal. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled 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 reimbursements.

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but options may be proposed to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to provide the facility due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special events

Weddings and special events could probably be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the service or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is key.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should outline in detail the reason why a refund is not possible, including any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers 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 provided.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers can contact their bank and try and make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery companies have declared delays on uneeded products in favour of transporting medical supplies and vital items. For more info on orders placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the products should be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in different situations below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing goods from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellermentioned
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the trader

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

Purchasers who think that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their goods and have gone beyond the first thirty days after  purchase, can be eligible for replacement or repair which is –

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

If a repair or replacement isn’t possible then they may instead be permitted to:

• Keep the items for a reduced rate
• Return back the items for a refund (complete repayment in 6 months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations on the phone or in person

If the customer thinks that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A complete reimbursement if the goods haven’t been accepted (not used and issue observed instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to prove that the goods do not match the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was delivered orally.

Rail companies and travel services have different guidelines about re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel that is no longer necessary or have planned travel to a cancelled event should get in touch with the travel service for more details on their individual terms and conditions, including refund guidelines.

Although the Government has advised that everyone in a foreign land must come back to the UK, several are still stranded with no means to come back home.

The Government has taken measures like especially chartered flights to help get citizens home, but this might take some time. For now, they have made numerous recommendation regarding what people who are trapped in a foreign country need to do.

If somebody suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is residing will provide suggestion and help on what to do if someone suffers, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen must take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are normally 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 region where the UK citizen resides 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 visit:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend upon the area that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that country 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 contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively visit:

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

If a reasonably priced flight home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional information on flying back home. They may be able to delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

People with travel insurance should get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stranded should even keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel firms.

It is essential to contact family and friends to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those people trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / monetary support

There is even the option for those stranded to contact their manager and request for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary aid in some situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or people trapped don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide monetary assistance in a few situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign land, they should make sure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they come back to the UK.

They may request family or friends to look after this person till they return back.

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

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

If they are working, they must be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on 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.

Perks or state pension whilst stranded abroad

The trapped passenger 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 one is payable for 13 weeks while abroad.

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

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst abroad 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