The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This includes two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad unless it is totally vital Many airlines are now stating cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will bring back residents that are presently stranded abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management company will be used for stuck residents to book and pay for the flight back home.

Further details on travelling abroad and existing government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Owed 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 cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some customers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for extra clarification.

Hotel and Flights reserved separately

Consumers are recommended to contact their hotels, asking for a compensation/change 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 urged to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reimbursement in situations where other measures do not.

If patrons have planned travel to infected zones after a caution was published in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Patrons are recommended to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain situations, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented conditions, and due to the present circumstances, concerns arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of worry to those travellers in a foreign country if they have terminated a return flight. The airline must also pay for any additional costs for housing and any food vital. For those consumers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the duty of worry terminates here. It is then the duty of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current location to obtain more assistance. Specific 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 released in relation to a country that the traveller picks to journey to, and the traveller selects to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Consumers are urged to verify policy and booking approval details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you think that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 certified booking site, then you ought to genrally obtain a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory body and as such, compel firms enlisted with them to repay the ticket’s face value amount 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 referred. For resale sites and other events, the business who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for repayments. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or changed date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is unsuitable, then a refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Patrons deciding not to attend – If consumers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Numerous of the big cinema groups have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further communication. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the choice to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the larger groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service recommences as usual. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be offered to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to recent situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a refund should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special occasions

Marriages and special functions could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the service or arranging cancels, then a refund should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted 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 charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is key.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should define in detail the basis why a repayment is not probable, comprising any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable 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 to make a claim through the ‘chargeback scheme’. This cannot be enforced 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 crisis. A few delivery firms have announced delays on uneeded products for shipping medical items and vital goods. For extra info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the goods should be the very first point of contact.

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

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different aspects, is available by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

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

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the seller

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

Consumers who believe that  any of the above do not fit for their items and have passed the initial thirty days after  ordering, may be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic timescale
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they might instead be permitted to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must go with the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

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

If the customer believes that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they might be entitled to;

• A total re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and issue noted quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the goods are worth

The burden of proof is on the purchaser to prove that the products do not go with the sellers description, that might be difficult if the description was given orally.

Rail companies and travel services have different guidelines regarding re-payments of tickets impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the circumstances, and an administration fee may apply, depending on the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked a trip which is no longer essential or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should get in touch with the travel service for additional info on their individual terms, as well as refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that everybody in a foreign land should come back to the UK, several are yet trapped without any way to get back home.

The Government has adopted steps such as specially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, but this may take some time. In the meantime, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those stuck abroad should do.

If someone suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is residing will give suggestion and assistance on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the resident must take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are normally shown when somebody 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 additional information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures mandatory will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by checking out:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more details on flying back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

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

UK citizens who find themselves stranded should even keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel firms.

It is important to contact family and friends to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to those stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is even the option for those stranded to get in touch with their employer and ask for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary aid in certain situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those stranded do not have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has committed to making sure that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical essentials, water and food.

If money runs out whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well provide monetary assistance in some circumstances. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to take care for someone in the UK

If the citizen is trapped abroad, they must ascertain that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this until they fly back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are working, they must contact their manager wherever possible to keep them updated about 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 while stuck in a foreign country

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

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

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments whilst abroad can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or clicking:

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