The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign land, cities and regions. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is utterly essential Many airlines are now stating cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will return citizens that are presently marooned abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration firm will be utilized for stuck citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

Additional info on going abroad and present government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

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

Hotel and Flights booked individually

Patrons are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a repayment/change in dates. Several airlines are letting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to check the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial reimbursement in conditions where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected areas after a notice was issued in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are recommended to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in several situations, have changed cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen circumstances, and owing to the current condition, concerns surfacing as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those customers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any extra charges for accommodation and any food vital. For those patrons who have taken a refund, then the obligation of concern finishes here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is conceivable, or where customers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain more help. Specific embassy locations can be obtained 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 destination that the customer selects to travel to, and the traveller chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to reimbursement.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been waived, 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 booked via an official booking site, then you should usually obtain a refund.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket merchant, the specific company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the company who formerly 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 kept until a rearranged or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been to is unsuitable, then a refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers deciding not to attend – If customers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much possibility of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Numerous of the big film chains have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further communication. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will resume, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as usual. Others are advising that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are instucted to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but options may be advanced to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

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

Weddings and special functions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue providing the service or arranging cancels, then a refund should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be conferred for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around delaying the event is vital.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should outline in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not conceivable, consisting 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 orders 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 provided.

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 attempt 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 unchanged throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A few delivery firms have proclaimed delays on non-essential items in favour of delivering medical items and necessary items. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the goods must be the initial point of contact.

We have explained the important consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different circumstances mentioned below.

, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different areas, 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 products from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the idea told to the trader

If requesting 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.

Consumers who think that  any of the above do not fit for their items and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  purchase, may be entitled to repair/replacement that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in significant difficulty

If a repair or replacement isn’t possible then they might instead be entitled to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is ordered from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must suit the explanation given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during chats on the phone call or in person

If the purchaser believes that the products do not match the seller’s description, then they can be entitled to;

• A full reimbursement if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and fault observed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the goods are truly worth

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

Rail companies and travel providers have different guidelines regarding refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A useful 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 that is no longer essential or have planned travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel service for more info on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that every person abroad should come back to the UK, many are still trapped with no way to get home.

The Government has adopted steps like especially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, but this might take some time. For the moment, they have made several recommendation regarding what people who are stuck abroad should do.

If somebody has or believes they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is staying will give advice and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when someone 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions mandatory will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by visiting:

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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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 more information on going back home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

People having travel insurance must get in touch with their provider as the 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 are stuck must also keep themselves updated on the declarations from local travel firms.

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they know that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to those people stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & benefits / monetary aid

There is even the option for those stranded to get in touch with their employer and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial help in certain circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well offer monetary help in a few situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they should ensure that anybody they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they fly back to the UK.

They may ask friends or family to look after this person till they come back.

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

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

If they are doing a job, they must contact their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about 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 apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension whilst stranded in a foreign country

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

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

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

Any queries or concerns regarding benefit payments while in a foreign country can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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