The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign countries, towns and regions. This comprises two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is utterly indispensible Many airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are currently marooned abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel administration firm will be utilized for stranded nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Additional information on going abroad and current government advices are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Whole amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some customers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Customers are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a compensation/modification in dates. Several airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

In circumstances where the hotel and place are operational, 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 procured. These may payout financial reimbursement in conditions where other ways do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to affected regions after a notice was announced in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies 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 unexpecteed conditions, and owing to the present condition, concerns occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any further charges for housing and any food required. For those patrons who have accepted a repayment, then the responsibility of concern ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to get further help. Specific embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in relation to a country that the customer picks to go to, and the traveller selects to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Customers are advised to check policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is necessary or a refund due. If you think that your customer rights have been waived, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and advice.

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 through an authorised booking site, then you ought to usually obtain a refund.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the particular company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the company who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request 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 rescheduled or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a repayment can be requested through the original booking company.

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

Specific events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

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

Cinema closures

Numerous of the greater movie franchises have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

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

Obtaining back hotel and travel expenditures

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been expenditures incurred for hotels and travel, then the businesses for all of these should be contacted for more information on refunds.

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but choices may be advanced to delay 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 epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special functions could potentially be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the service or managing cancels, then a refund should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or rearrange the event, then some fees might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is essential.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, consisting any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable when a service or product that has been paid for cannot be provided.

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 try to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be imposed by law, and the provision of this scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are the same during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical companies have announced delays on non-essential items in favour of shipping medical items and necessary items. For extra information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the products must be the initial contact point.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different situations below.

Nevertheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is accessible by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

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

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the dealermentioned
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the idea told to the trader

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

Purchasers who believe that  anything mentioned above do not fit for their items and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  purchase, can be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in significant inconvenience

In case a replacement or repair is not possible then they may instead be entitled to:

• Keep the items for a lower price
• Return the merchandise for a repayment (complete reimbursement in 6 months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is bought from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must go with the description given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during discussions on the phone call or in person

If the buyer feels that the items don’t go with the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A full reimbursement if the goods have not been accepted (not used and defect observed quickly)
• Loss – 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 buyer to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, that could be difficult if the description was given in words.

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

Scotrail are offering refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly because of the situation, and an administration fee might apply, depending on the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked a trip that is no longer required or have planned travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel provider for additional details on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Though the Government has Informed that everyone abroad must return to the UK, several are yet stuck with no means to come back home.

The Government has taken steps like especially chartered flights to help get citizens home, but this may take some time. For the timebeing, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what people who are stranded in a foreign land must do.

If somebody has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the buyer is residing will provide suggestion and assistance on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen must seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are normally displayed when a person is suffering from coronavirus. This is available 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 stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the measures necessary will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, look at the travel advice for that country 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 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 visit:

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

If a inexpensive air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted in the first instance for additional details on going back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip home.

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

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

It is essential to contact friends and family to ensure they know that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to people stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary assistance

There is even the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their manager and ask for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial assistance in a few situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people trapped do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If money is over whilst stranded in a foreign land, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in some circumstances. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should ensure that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they return back to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to take care of this person until they fly back.

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

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

If they are employed, they should keep in contact with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are doing a job, 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.

Benefits or state pension whilst stranded in a foreign land

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around 4 weeks.

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

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen stays in a foreign land.

Any queries or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign land can be responed 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