The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel abroad, cities and locations. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is totally indispensible Various airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that several countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered flights. 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 devoted travel supervision firm will be utilized for stranded nationals to reserve and pay for the flight home.

Further info on travelling abroad and existing government advices are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

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

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Customers are advised to call their hotels, asking for a compensation/modification in dates. Many airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial reimbursement in conditions where other means do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to affected zones after a notice was announced in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are urged to check the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several conditions, 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 utilized in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the existing situation, issues occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any additional expenses for accommodation and any food required. For those consumers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the responsibility of care ends here. It is then the obligation of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is possible, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek additional assistance. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice released in relation to a destination that the consumer selects to go to, and the customer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Consumers are advised to check policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a repayment due. If you think that your consumer 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 booked by means of an official booking site, then you must normally receive a reimbursement.

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

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

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be held until a postponed or changed date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a repayment can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Certain events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Customers choosing not to attend – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the larger movie chains have stated that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the choice to postpone 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 fees will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service resumes as regular. Others are recommending that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are advised to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

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

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the amenity due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special events

Weddings and special occasions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue providing the ceremony or organising cancels, then a refund should be prepared for everything that 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 consumer, or individual who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is vital.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should outline in detail the reason why a reimbursement 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 buyers 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, clients can contact their bank and try to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain the same throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery firms have proclaimed delays on unnecessary items for transporting medical supplies and necessary goods. For additional information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the products should be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in various situations mentioned below.

But, a more comprehensive 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

When ordering products from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentexplained
• Exactly like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the purpose told to the seller

If asking for replacement or repair in the first 30 days, then the consumer enters the wait period with the remainder of the thirty days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair or replacement.

Consumers who think that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their goods and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair or replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic time frame
• Without leading to significant inconvenience

In case a repair or replacement isn’t possible then they may rather be permitted to:

• Keep the goods for a reduced price
• Return back the merchandise for a refund (full reimbursement in six months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If 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 provided by the seller. This includes:

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

If the purchaser believes that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A full reimbursement if the products have not been accepted (not used and fault noticed instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are really worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods don’t match the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different guidelines regarding reimbursements of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are offering refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip which is no longer necessary or have planned travel to a cancelled function should call the travel service for additional info on their individual conditions, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that every person in a foreign country must return back to the UK, many are still stuck without any way to come back home.

The Government has implemented measures such as specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, but this may take time. For the timebeing, they have made numerous suggestions about what those people who are stuck in a foreign land need to do.

If someone has or feels they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is residing will provide advice and help on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident must take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed 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 area where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions necessary 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 read by visiting:

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

In addition, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If an affordable air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional details on flying back home. They may be able to delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

Those with travel insurance must get in touch with their service provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to return home. Those who can’t afford travel can even check if their credit card insurance applies.

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

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

Employment & benefits / monetary support

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

If money is over, or those stranded do not have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can also provide monetary aid in a few circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign land, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be requested to carry on to do this until they come back to the UK.

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

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

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

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

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

Perks or state pension whilst trapped in a foreign country

The trapped passenger will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around one month.

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

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments while in a foreign land can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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