The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but essential travel abroad, cities and locations. This includes two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad unless it is totally vital Several airlines are now declaring terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that various countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are currently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel management company will be used for marooned nationals to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Additional information on going abroad and current government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to fly to their destination – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the choice 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 automatically for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Patrons are advised to get in touch with their hotels, asking for a refund/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to make sure the details of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may extend financial reimbursement in situations where other measures do not.

If customers have planned travel to affected zones after a notice was issued in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are recommended to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company promptly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current happenings, various insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain conditions, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed conditions, and owing to the current condition, problems surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no means of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of worry to those travellers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any additional costs for housing and any food essential. For those patrons who have received a refund, then the responsibility of worry ends here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In conditions where neither of the above is conceivable, or where customers feel stuck, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current locality to seek additional support. Individual embassy locations can be found 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 published in relation to a country that the traveller chooses to go to, and the consumer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to reimbursement.

Customers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you belive that your consumer rights have been breached, 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 reimbursement.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket retailer, the individual company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the company who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or altered date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is not fitting, then a refund can be requested through the original booking company.

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

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

Customers deciding not to attend – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the greater film franchises have declared that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already bought tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will resume, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service restarts as usual. Others are recommending that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers are advised to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but options may be proposed to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to recent conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to offer the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special occasions

Marriages and special occasions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a refund should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding 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 repaid, the organiser should outline in detail the basis why a refund is not possible, consisting any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the buyer.

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’ accountable when a product or service 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 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 the same during the coronavirus crisis. A few delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on unnecessary goods for delivering medical supplies and essential products. For extra information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods should be the very first point of contact.

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

However, a complete guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is available by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While purchasing goods from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the traderdepited
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Perfect for the idea explained to the agent

When requesting for repair/replacement within first thirty days, then the purchaser 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 don’t fit for their products and have passed the first 30 days after  purchase, can be entitled to repair/replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical time frame
• Without leading to significant problem

If a repair/replacement is not possible then they might rather be permitted to:

• Keep the items for a lower rate
• Return the goods for a refund (complete repayment within 6 months or perhaps partial repayment after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is purchased from a private seller, the customer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must go with the explanation given by the seller. This includes:

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

If the customer feels that the items do not match the seller’s description, then they might be entitled to;

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

The burden of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the products do not go with the sellers description, which can be tough if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned a trip that is no longer essential or have planned travel to a annulled event should call the travel provider for more information on their individual terms and conditions, along with refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that everyone in a foreign country should return to the United Kingdom, many are yet stranded with no way to get home.

The Government has implemented measures such as especially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, however this may take time. For the timebeing, they have made several suggestions about what those trapped in a foreign country need to do.

If someone suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the buyer is staying will provide suggestion and assistance on what to do if somebody has, or feels that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen must seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally displayed when a person is infected by 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 finds themselves can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or alternatively 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 is located. If unsure, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by checking out:

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 more information on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for more info on transport home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

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

UK citizens who find themselves stranded must even keep themselves informed on the notice from local travel companies.

It is essential to contact friends and family to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to those stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / monetary assistance

There is also the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their manager and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary assistance in some circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or people stuck do not have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

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

If cash is over whilst trapped abroad, The UK Government can even offer monetary help in a few circumstances. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger needs to care for a family member in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they should ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they may be requested to continue to do this until they return to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they must be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

If they are employed, they can however 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 while stranded abroad

The stranded person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for around one month.

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

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

Any queries or concerns about benefit payments whilst in a foreign land 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