The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, cities and locations. This comprises two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is utterly vital Several airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that several countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back citizens that are presently stuck abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration firm will be employed for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

Additional info on going abroad and existing government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some customers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Customers are advised to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a repayment/change in dates. Many airlines are allowing passengers 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

Consumers are recommended to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial reimbursement in situations where other ways do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected regions after a caution was issued in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are recommended to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present affairs, various insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in some circumstances, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen situations, and due to the existing situation, concerns occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of worry to those passengers overseas if they have terminated a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any further expenses for housing and any food vital. For those customers who have received a reimbursement, then the duty of care finishes here. It is then the duty of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where patrons feel stuck, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain more help. Specific embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in regard to a country that the customer selects to travel to, and the customer picks to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Consumers are insisted to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is required or a reimbursement 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 reserved via an authorised booking site, then you ought to genrally obtain a repayment.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket retailer, the specific company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the company who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request reimbursements. 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 rescheduled or altered date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Consumers deciding not to attend – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Quiet a few of the larger movie franchises have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as normal. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises 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 expenditures paid for hotels and travel, then the businesses for every one of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Specific terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

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

Marriages and special events could possibly be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue catering the service or organising cancels, then a refund should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is vital.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the planner should outline in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, 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 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 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 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 companies have proclaimed delays on uneeded products for shipping medical supplies and vital goods. For more info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the items must be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that is valid in different circumstances below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing items from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentexplained
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose told to the dealer

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

Buyers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their products and have exceeded the first 30 days after  ordering, can be entitled to replacement or repair that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without resulting in considerable inconvenience

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

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced rate
• Return back the merchandise for a reimbursement (full reimbursement in 6 months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must match the explanation provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during chats on the call or face to face

If the purchaser feels that the products don’t match the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A total refund if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and issue observed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the items are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that could be hard if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies regarding re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel that is no longer essential or have planned travel to a cancelled event should get in touch with the travel provider for more details on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Although the Government has Informed that everybody in a foreign country must come back to the United Kingdom, many are yet stranded without any means to come back home.

The Government has implemented measures like especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this might take time. For the moment, they have made several recommendation regarding what those people who are stuck in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the customer is staying will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident must take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are normally 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 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 mandatory will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If uncertain, 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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional details 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 an affordable flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional info on transport home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those people having travel insurance must contact their service provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel can even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is important to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the option for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and request for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial assistance in certain circumstances. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those trapped don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If cash is over whilst stuck in a foreign land, The UK Government can even offer monetary help in some situations. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for somebody back in the UK

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they should ascertain that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

They could request family or friends to look after this person until they return back.

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

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

If they are employed, they must contact their manager wherever possible to keep them informed about their condition.

If they are working, they can still 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 in a foreign country

The stranded passenger will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to a month.

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

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments while abroad can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or checking out:

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