The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but necessary travel abroad, cities and regions. This includes two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad unless it is totally indispensible Many airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back citizens that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision firm will be utilized for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More info on going abroad and current government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Whole expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for additional clarification.

Flights and hotel reserved individually

Consumers are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a compensation/modification in dates. Several airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

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

If consumers have arranged travel to affected areas after a notice was announced in the area, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are advised to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in some situations, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed conditions, and owing to the existing circumstances, issues arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those customers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should also pay for any extra costs for stay and any food vital. For those patrons who have accepted a repayment, then the responsibility of worry ends here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

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

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice published in relation to a country that the customer picks to go to, and the consumer picks to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Consumers are insisted to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a refund due. If you belive that your customer 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 booked via an certified booking site, then you should genrally obtain a reimbursement.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket retailer, the individual company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the business 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 postponed.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or altered date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be requested through the original booking company.

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

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

Patrons choosing not to attend – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the larger movie groups have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the greater groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as regular. Others are instructing that they will be resting payments for memberships. Patrons are instucted to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel charges

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for all of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but choices may be advanced to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

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

Weddings and special functions could possibly be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a refund should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is vital.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not possible, comprising 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 buyers 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 provided.

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 enforced 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 crisis. A few delivery companies have proclaimed delays on uneeded products for shipping medical items and necessary goods. For additional info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the products should be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the important consumer rights legislation that is valid in various circumstances below.

Nonetheless, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is available by checking out 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 declares they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Fit for the idea made known to the seller

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

Customers who feel that  any of the above don’t fit for their goods and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  purchase, may be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic time frame
• Without causing significant inconvenience

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

• Keep the merchandise for a lesser price
• Return the merchandise for a reimbursement (total reimbursement in 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must match the description provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during conversations over the phone or personally

If the buyer believes that the products don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A complete re-payment if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem seen instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the items are worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the products do not go with the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel services have different rules regarding refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a little because of the situation, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A valuable 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 a trip that is no longer essential or have booked travel to a annulled event should contact the travel provider for more details on their individual conditions, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everybody in a foreign country should return back to the UK, a lot are yet stranded without any way to come back home.

The Government has taken steps such as specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, but this might take time. In the meanwhile, they have made several recommendation about what those stranded in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the client is residing will give advice and help on what to do if someone has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are generally revealed when someone has 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary will depend on the location 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 located by checking out:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a inexpensive air flight home cannot be booked

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

Those with travel insurance should contact their service provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel can also check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped should also keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel companies.

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stuck to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / monetary support

There is even the option for those stuck to contact their boss and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial help in a few situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or people stranded do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If money is over whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can also provide financial assistance in a few situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should ascertain that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this until they return back to the UK.

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

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

If the trapped passenger has worries about their job or self-employment

If they are working, they must keep in contact with their boss wherever possible to keep them informed about their situation.

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

Benefits or state pension whilst trapped abroad

The trapped person will still get 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 while in a foreign land.

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments while in a foreign country 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