The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign land, towns and areas. This comprises two important travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely indispensible Various airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will return citizens that are presently stranded abroad. Further information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management firm will be employed for stranded residents to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Additional details on going abroad and current government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Complete expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for further clarification.

Flights and hotel booked individually

Consumers are advised to call their hotels, requesting a refund/change in dates. Many airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may offer financial reparation in situations where other means do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected zones after a warning was published in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are recommended to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent affairs, several insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in some situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and owing to the current circumstances, issues arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must also pay for any extra costs for stay and any food essential. For those patrons who have taken a repayment, then the responsibility of care terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is conceivable, or where patrons feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain more assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning released in regard to a country that the customer picks to travel to, and the consumer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Travellers are urged to certify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is required or a refund due. If you feel that your customer 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 authorised booking site, then you ought to usually receive a refund.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request reimbursements. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Rescheduled events

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

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

Certain events may be different, contingent 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 carrying on, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the greater film chains have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities 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 informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel charges

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus epidemic and there have been costs suffered for hotels and travel, then the businesses for every one of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the amenity due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a repayment should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special events

Marriages and special occasions could potentially be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the service or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner 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 basis why a repayment is not conceivable, including any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the customer.

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, clients can contact their bank and try to 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 are unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on unnecessary products in favour of transporting medical supplies and essential products. For extra information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the goods should be the first contact point.

We have detailed the main consumer rights legislation that applies in various situations listed below.

, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is available by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing items from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerdepited
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the purpose told to the dealer

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

Purchasers who feel that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their products and have passed the first thirty days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair or replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without causing significant inconvenience

In case a replacement or repair is not possible then they might rather be entitled to:

• Keep the products for a reduced rate
• Return back the items for a refund (full refund within 6 months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must suit the description given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during discussions on the call or personally

If the purchaser believes that the products don’t match the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A total reimbursement if the items have not been accepted (not used and fault noticed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the items do not go with the sellers description, which could be difficult if the description was delivered orally.

Rail companies and travel services have different rules about refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, 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 planned a trip which is not needed or have booked travel to a cancelled function should call the travel service for additional details on their individual conditions, along with refund guidelines.

Though the Government has Informed that every person in a foreign country should return to the United Kingdom, many are yet stranded without any means to come back home.

The Government has taken steps like specially chartered planes to help get citizens home, but this may take time. For the moment, they have made a lot of recommendation about what those trapped in a foreign land should do.

If somebody suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the buyer is residing will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident must take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms 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 area where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or otherwise 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 actions mandatory will depend upon the location that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, check out 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 contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If an affordable flight home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional info on flying back home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip home.

Those with travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who cannot afford travel can even see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are trapped must also keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel firms.

It is important to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their boss and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial assistance in some situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people trapped do not have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

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

If cash runs out whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well provide monetary aid in some situations. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck in a foreign country, they must ensure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they return to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they must contact their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

If they are working, they can still be furloughed under the job retention scheme. If they are self-employed, they can request for for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension whilst trapped in a foreign country

The stranded passenger 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 person is payable for 13 weeks while abroad.

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

Any questions or doubts about 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 visiting:

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