The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel abroad, towns and locations. This comprises two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely vital Many airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation 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 collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are currently marooned abroad. Additional information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision company will be employed for marooned citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

More info on going abroad and current government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their destination – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Flights and hotel booked independantly

Consumers are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a refund/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to check the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reimbursement in circumstances where other measures do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to affected zones after a notice was published in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Consumers are urged 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 present events, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several conditions, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented situations, and owing to the present condition, problems arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those travellers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must also pay for any further charges for housing and any food vital. For those patrons who have received a repayment, then the responsibility of care ends here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

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

Consumers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in regard to a destination that the consumer selects to go to, and the consumer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Consumers are insisted to verify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been breached, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and assistance.

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 via an official booking site, then you should normally receive a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the particular company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the company who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

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

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

Certain events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Consumers wishing not to show up – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is not much possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closings

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

A few of the larger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly charges will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities restarts as regular. Others are recommending that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

If an event is cancelled 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 options may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to provide the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special events could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company providing the service or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is vital.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a repayment is not probable, including 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 consumers 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 delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers can contact their bank and try to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be enforced by law, and the provision of this scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery companies have announced delays on unnecessary goods in favour of transporting medical supplies and essential goods. For extra info on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the products should be the initial point of contact.

We have explained the key consumer rights legislation that applies in different circumstances listed below.

Nonetheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is available by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering products from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the tradertold
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the idea explained to the agent

If requesting for repair or replacement 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.

Buyers who think that  any of the above don’t apply to their items and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  ordering, may be entitled to repair or replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical time frame
• Without leading to significant trouble

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

• Keep the products for a reduced rate
• Return back the goods for a refund (total repayment in six months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must go with the explanation given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an email or text
Any description during discussions on the phone or in person

If the buyer feels that the goods don’t go with the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A full re-payment if the goods have not been accepted (not used and defect seen quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are really worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods do not match the sellers description, which could be difficult if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different guidelines about refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are giving refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit because of the situation, and an administration charge may be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

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

Although the Government has Informed that everyone in a foreign country should return to the UK, many are still stuck with no way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures such as especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this might take time. In the meantime, they have made a lot of recommendation regarding what people who are stranded in a foreign land should do.

If someone has or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is residing will give suggestion and assistance on what to do if somebody suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are normally revealed when a person is suffering from coronavirus. This is listed 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures required will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by checking out:

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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

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

Those people having travel insurance should get in touch with their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel can even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is essential to contact family and friends to make sure they know that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people trapped to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary support

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

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

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

If money runs out whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can as well offer monetary help in certain circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger has to care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they should make sure that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be requested to continue to do this until they come back to the UK.

They could request family or friends to take care of this person till they come back.

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

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

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

If they are working, 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 whilst trapped abroad

The stranded person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for up to one month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each person is payable for 13 weeks while in a foreign land.

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

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments while abroad can be responed 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