The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and areas. This comprises two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly 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 absolutely essential Many airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back citizens that are presently stuck abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration company will be utilized for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight home.

More details on going abroad and present government recommendations are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Complete amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for extra explanation.

Flights and hotel booked individually

Consumers are suggested to call their hotels, requesting a repayment/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

In circumstances where the hotel and site are open, 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 bought. These may extend financial compensation in situations where other means do not.

If customers have planned travel to affected zones after a caution was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several circumstances, 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 utilized in unprecedented situations, and owing to the existing situation, issues occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should furthermore pay for any additional expenses for stay and any food required. For those customers who have taken a repayment, then the obligation of care 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 possible, or where patrons feel stranded, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain further assistance. Specific embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in regard to a destination that the traveller selects to journey to, and the consumer picks to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to reimbursement.

Customers are insisted to verify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a refund due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 authorised booking site, then you should usually get 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 include the costs incurred for delivery.

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the individual 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 instance to ask for repayments. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or revised date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

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

Consumers choosing not to be there – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Several of the greater movie franchises have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

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

Getting back hotel and travel costs

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

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but options may be offered to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to offer the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special functions

Marriages and special events could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is essential.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should outline in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not conceivable, 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 consumers 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 get in touch with their bank and attempt 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 remain unchanged during the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery and logistical companies have declared delays on avoidable items for transporting medical items and vital products. For extra details on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the items should be the initial point of contact.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is valid in various circumstances below.

But, a complete 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

While buying goods from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the traderexplained
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the seller

If requesting for repair or replacement in the 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.

Buyers who believe that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their goods and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, might be entitled to repair or replacement that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical timescale
• Without resulting in significant trouble

In case a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they might rather be allowed to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an email or text
Any description during conversations over the call or face to face

If the buyer feels that the products don’t match the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A total refund if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and problem observed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what was paid and what the items are worth

The burden of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the goods do not match the sellers description, that can be hard if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different guidelines about reimbursements of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

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

A valuable 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 that is not needed or have planned travel to a cancelled event should contact the travel service for additional info on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that every person in a foreign land should come back to the UK, a lot are still stranded without any means to come back home.

The Government has adopted steps such as specially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, however this may take some time. In the meanwhile, they have made numerous suggestions regarding what those people who are stranded in a foreign land must do.

If somebody has or thinks they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is staying will provide advice and assistance on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when someone 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 area where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures mandatory will depend on the area that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located 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 information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be found

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

People with travel insurance should contact their service provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel could also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are stranded should also keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel companies.

It is vital to contact friends and family to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those people stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary support

There is also the option for those stuck to contact their employer and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial aid in some circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stranded do not have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If cash runs out whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can even offer financial help in a few situations. Additional info can be accessed 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 land, they must ascertain that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this until they return to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are working, they must keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their situation.

If they are doing a job, 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.

Benefits or state pension while stuck in a foreign country

The stranded person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around 4 weeks.

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

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

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign land 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