The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel abroad, towns and regions. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries unless it is absolutely indispensible Several airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are presently stranded abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision firm will be used for marooned residents to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further details on going abroad and existing government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their region – Due a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some customers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Patrons are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are letting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are urged to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial reparation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected areas after a caution was issued in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company directly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, many insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain situations, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented circumstances, and owing to the existing situation, issues occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those travellers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further expenses for housing and any food essential. For those consumers who have received a refund, then the responsibility of worry ends here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is possible, or where patrons feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain additional help. Individual embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in regard to a country that the traveller picks to travel to, and the customer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to reimbursement.

Travellers are advised to certify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is required or a reimbursement due. If you belive 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 through an official booking site, then you ought to normally receive a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who originally 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.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or changed date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Individual events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

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

Cinema closures

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

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service resumes as usual. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be offered to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to recent situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to deliver the amenity due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special events

Marriages and special functions could probably be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company offering the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is essential.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the basis why a refund is not probable, including any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the consumer.

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, 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 are unaffected during the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery firms have announced delays on uneeded goods in favour of transporting medical supplies and essential goods. For extra info on orders placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the goods should be the initial point of contact.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is valid in different situations listed below.

Nevertheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is accessible 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 dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the sellerexplained
• Just like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the idea made known to the dealer

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

Purchasers who feel that  any of the above don’t fit for their goods and have exceeded the initial thirty days after  ordering, may be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic time frame
• Without resulting in significant trouble

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

• Keep the items for a lower price
• Return the items for a repayment (total repayment in 6 months or partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must suit the explanation given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text
Any description during discussions over the phone call or personally

If the buyer thinks that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they might be eligible for;

• A complete reimbursement if the goods have not been accepted (not used and issue observed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the items do not go with the sellers description, which could be difficult if the description was given verbally.

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

Scotrail are offering refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly because of the situation, and an administration charge may apply, depending on the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked a trip which is no longer required or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should contact the travel provider for additional details on their individual conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Though the Government has advised that everyone abroad must return to the UK, a lot are still stuck without any means to come back home.

The Government has implemented measures like especially chartered planes to help bring citizens home, but this may take some time. For the moment, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those stranded abroad need to do.

If someone suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is staying will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are typically revealed when somebody is infected by coronavirus. This is available 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions necessary will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by checking out:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be booked

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

Those having travel insurance should contact their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. People who can’t afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is important to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary assistance

There is also the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial help in a few circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stuck don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has promised to guaranteeing that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical supplies, water and food.

If money is over whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can also offer monetary assistance in certain situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they should make sure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they return to the UK.

They could ask friends or family to look after this person until they come back.

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

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

If they are doing a job, they should contact their manager wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

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 trapped abroad

The stranded person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land 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 13 weeks whilst abroad.

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

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments while in a foreign country can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or checking out:

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