The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel abroad, towns and regions. This comprises 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 accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign countries except if it is totally essential Various airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that several countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered flights. These will return citizens that are currently stuck abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel management company will be used for marooned nationals to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further information on going abroad and present government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Whole cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Customers are advised to call their hotels, asking for a repayment/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are permitting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to make sure the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial compensation in circumstances where other measures do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected regions after a warning was published in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Consumers are urged to ensure the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in several situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen conditions, and due to the existing circumstances, problems arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those customers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any further charges for housing and any food essential. For those customers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the obligation of concern finishes here. It is then the obligation of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is possible, or where consumers feel trapped, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current location to get additional assistance. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in regard to a country that the traveller chooses to go to, and the customer chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is necessary or a reimbursement 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 reserved through an official booking site, then you must genrally get a refund.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket seller, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request reimbursements. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a postponed or altered date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

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

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

Cinema closures

Several of the larger film chains have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service recommences as regular. Others are advising that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are advised to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Individual terms and conditions may vary, but possibilities may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to offer the amenity due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special functions

Marriages and special events could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a repayment should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or person who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should define in detail the cause why a reimbursement is not possible, comprising any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible 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 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 are unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on avoidable items in favour of shipping medical supplies and vital goods. For additional info on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the items should be the first point of contact.

We have explained the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations listed below.

Nonetheless, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering 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

When buying products from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the traderexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the purpose made known to the agent

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

Buyers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their goods and have exceeded the first thirty days after  purchase, might be eligible for repair/replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without causing significant trouble

If a replacement or repair is not possible then they might rather be permitted to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must suit 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 chats on the phone call or personally

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

• A full refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault seen immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies regarding re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a little because of the situation, and an administration charge may apply, depending on the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel which is no longer required or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should contact the travel service for additional information on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has suggested that every person abroad must return to the United Kingdom, many are yet stranded with no means to get home.

The Government has implemented measures such as specially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For now, they have made numerous suggestions about what those people who are stuck in a foreign land must do.

If someone suffers or believes they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the buyer is residing will provide suggestion and help on what to do if someone has, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident should seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are typically shown when somebody 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 region where the UK citizen stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information 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 visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures mandatory will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, 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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If an affordable air flight home cannot be found

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

People having travel insurance must contact 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 cannot afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is important to contact family and friends to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to those people trapped to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / financial aid

There is even the option for those trapped to get in touch with their boss and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer monetary assistance in some circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people trapped don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can also offer financial aid in some situations. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to take care for somebody in the UK

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they must ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they come back to the UK.

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

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

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

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

If they are working, they can however be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension while trapped in a foreign land

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for up to a 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 in a foreign land.

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments while in a foreign country can be answered 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