The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This comprises two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is utterly indispensible Many airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will return residents that are presently stranded abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel supervision company will be utilized for stranded nationals to book and pay for the flight back home.

Further details on going abroad and existing government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

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

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Customers are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a compensation/change in dates. Several airlines are permitting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are advised to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have bought. These may payout financial reparation in circumstances where other means do not.

If patrons have planned travel to infected areas after a warning was published in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are recommended to check the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in several circumstances, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen conditions, and due to the present condition, concerns surfacing as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those travellers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to furthermore pay for any further costs for housing and any food required. For those consumers who have received a repayment, then the duty of worry ends here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

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

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice published in regard to a country that the consumer selects to go to, and the customer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to reimbursement.

Travellers are urged to certify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is required or a repayment due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been breached, you can contact consumeradvice.scot for more information and guidance.

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 by means of an certified booking site, then you should genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

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

Postponed events

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

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

Certain events may be different, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Patrons wishing not to attend – If patrons wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is not much chance of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Quiet a few of the greater film franchises have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already bought tickets, repayments or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the greater groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as normal. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Customers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel charges

If an event is cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and there have been charges paid for hotels and travel, then the establishments for every one of these should be contacted for more information on reimbursements.

Individual terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to provide the amenity due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a refund should be paid. Reservations for weddings and special events

Marriages and special occasions could possibly be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be prepared for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be conferred for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has reserved the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the organiser should outline in detail the basis why a reimbursement is not possible, 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 buyers for purchases 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, consumers can get in touch with their bank and attempt 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 are the same throughout the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on unnecessary items in favour of transporting medical supplies and vital goods. For additional details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the goods must be the very first point of contact.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that applies in various circumstances mentioned below.

But, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is accessible by checking out consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When purchasing products from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the tradertold
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Fit for the idea told to the dealer

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

Customers who feel that  any of the above don’t apply to their products and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  ordering, might be entitled to repair or replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical timescale
• Without leading to significant trouble

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

• Keep the products for a lower price
• Return the goods for a reimbursement (complete refund in 6 months or 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 insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must suit the description provided by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during chats over the call or in person

If the customer feels that the products don’t match the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A full re-payment if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and defect seen instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the products are truly worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the items do not go with the sellers description, that can be hard if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel providers have different policies regarding re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a little because of the situation, and an administration fee may apply, 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 booked travel that is not necessary or have booked travel to a cancelled event should get in touch with the travel provider for additional information on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Although the Government has suggested that everybody abroad must come back to the UK, many are still stuck without any means to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps such as especially chartered planes to help get citizens home, but this might take some time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous suggestions about what those stranded in a foreign country must do.

If someone suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the buyer is residing will give advice and assistance on what to do if someone has, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen should seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are generally displayed 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 contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions required will depend on the region that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, 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

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more details on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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

If a reasonably priced flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional info on flying back home. They may delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those people having travel insurance should get in touch with their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel can even check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped must even keep themselves updated on the declarations from local travel companies.

It is important to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to people stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is also the choice for those trapped to get in touch with their manager and request for advance payment of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary aid in some situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money runs out, or those stuck do not have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has promised to guaranteeing that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical supplies, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can even provide monetary assistance in a few situations. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger has to care for a relative in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they must 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 carry on to do this till they return back to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to look after this person until they return.

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

If the stranded 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 informed on their situation.

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

Benefits or state pension while stuck in a foreign land

The stranded person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country 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 whilst in a foreign land.

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

Any queries or concerns about 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 clicking:

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