The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is absolutely vital Various airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are presently stranded abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel management company will be employed for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on going abroad and current government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

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

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Consumers are advised to contact their hotels, requesting a compensation/change in dates. Several airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

In circumstances where the hotel and site are functioning, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may lose out.

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reimbursement in conditions where other means do not.

If customers have planned travel to affected regions after a caution was published in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are advised to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed conditions, and owing to the current condition, problems arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those customers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should also pay for any additional charges for stay and any food vital. For those patrons who have taken a refund, then the obligation of concern finishes here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is probable, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to get additional assistance. Individual 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 caution released in regard to a destination that the consumer picks to journey to, and the customer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to reimbursement.

Travellers are insisted to certify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is necessary or a repayment due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been waived, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and guidance.

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 official booking site, then you ought to normally get a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the specific 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 case to ask for refunds. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or revised 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 refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

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

Cinema closings

Numerous of the greater film franchises have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further communication. For customers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service recommences as usual. Others are instructing 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 charges

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

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

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

Marriages and special occasions could possibly be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the service or organising cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the buyer, or individual who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is essential.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the planner should define in detail the reason why a repayment is not probable, consisting 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 clients for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible when a product or service that has been paid for cannot be entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, clients 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 the same during the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical companies have declared delays on uneeded items in favour of transporting medical items and vital goods. For additional information on orders placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the items should be the initial point of contact.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that applies in various circumstances listed below.

However, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is accessible by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering items from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerdescribed
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Perfect for the idea told to the agent

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

Customers who feel that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their goods and have exceeded the first 30 days after  ordering, might be entitled to repair or replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic timescale
• Without leading to considerable inconvenience

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they might instead be allowed to:

• Keep the products for a reduced rate
• Return back the goods for a refund (complete reimbursement within six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the goods must go with the explanation given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text
Any description during conversations over the call or in person

If the customer feels that the goods do not match the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A full refund if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and defect noted instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the items are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the products don’t match the sellers description, which could be hard if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different rules regarding re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are offering refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the situation, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned a trip that is no longer required or have booked travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel service for more information on their individual conditions, including refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that every person abroad should return to the United Kingdom, several are still stranded with no means to come back home.

The Government has adopted measures such as especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, but this might take time. In the meanwhile, they have made several recommendation regarding what people who are trapped in a foreign country need to do.

If someone has or thinks they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is staying will give suggestion and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs 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 area where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend upon the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that country 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 additional details on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If an affordable flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more information on transport home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those people with travel insurance should get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel can even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / financial assistance

There is even the option for those stuck to contact their manager and ask for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary aid in a few situations. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

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

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can also offer monetary assistance in certain situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this till they return to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they must be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are employed, they can however 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 while trapped abroad

The stranded passenger will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for up to 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 while in a foreign country.

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

Any queries or doubts about benefit payments while in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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