The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This includes two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is utterly essential Several airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are presently stuck abroad. Additional information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel management firm will be employed for marooned nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further info on going abroad and existing government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their destination – Due a refund or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some consumers, but customers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved individually

Patrons are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a compensation/modification in dates. Various airlines are letting commuters to rebook flights for free.

In conditions where the hotel and place are open, and the booking is non-refundable, then travellers may lose out.

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are advised to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial compensation in conditions where other ways do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to affected regions after a notice was announced in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are recommended to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, several insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in several circumstances, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen conditions, and due to the present condition, issues arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those passengers overseas if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline must furthermore pay for any further costs for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have taken a refund, then the responsibility of worry terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to get further assistance. Individual embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in regard to a country that the consumer picks to travel to, and the consumer picks to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Travellers are insisted to verify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you think 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 by means of an certified booking site, then you should genrally receive a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory organisation 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 incurred for delivery.

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the individual 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 ask for repayments. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a postponed or altered date is declared. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is not fitting, then a repayment can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Specific events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

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

Cinema closings

Quiet a few of the larger cinema groups have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the larger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as usual. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Customers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been costs paid for hotels and travel, then the companies for every one of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Seperate terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to present circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to deliver the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special events

Marriages and special events could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the service or managing 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 everything that can be claimed back. If it is the customer, or individual who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around postponing the event is essential.

For everything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should define in detail the reason why a repayment is not conceivable, including any costs they have sustained 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 service or product 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 get in touch with their bank and try and 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 unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded goods for shipping medical items and vital products. For extra info on orders placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the items must be the very first contact point.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations mentioned below.

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, including 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

While purchasing goods from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the dealerexplained
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Fit for the purpose explained to the agent

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

Consumers who believe that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their items and have passed the initial thirty days after  purchase, can be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without leading to significant difficulty

If a replacement or repair is not possible then they might instead be entitled to:

• Keep the items for a lesser rate
• Return the items for a refund (total repayment in 6 months or partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the goods must go with the description provided by the seller. This incorporates:

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

If the purchaser believes that the items do not go with the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A complete refund if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem noticed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are actually worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the products do not match the sellers description, that could be tough if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies about reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are giving refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the situation, and an administration fee may apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel that is no longer necessary or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should call the travel provider for more details on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has recommended that everyone in a foreign land should come back to the United Kingdom, many are still stranded without any means to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps like especially chartered planes to help get citizens home, however this may take time. For now, they have made several recommendation about what those stuck abroad must do.

If somebody suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is staying will provide advice and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are generally displayed 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 stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, 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 quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures required will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If doubtful, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

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 more details on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply click:

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

If a inexpensive flight home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for more information on transport home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those having 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 single effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel may also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is important to contact friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to people trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is even the choice for those stranded to contact their employer and ask for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial assistance in certain situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

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

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

If money runs out whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can even offer financial assistance in some circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to take care for a relative in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they should ensure that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they return back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are doing a job, they must contact their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

If they are doing a job, they can still 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 stranded abroad

The stranded person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for around 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 country.

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen stays abroad.

Any questions or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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