The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but important travel to foreign countries, towns and areas. This comprises two main travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land unless it is absolutely indispensible Various airlines are now declaring cancellations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the announcement that several countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to reduce the spread of the virus.

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

Further info on travelling abroad and existing government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to fly to their region – Owed a repayment or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

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

Hotel and Flights booked separately

Patrons are recommended to contact their hotels, asking for a compensation/modification in dates. Various airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reimbursement in conditions where other measures do not.

If consumers have arranged travel to infected zones after a caution was issued in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Customers are advised to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain situations, have modified cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the present condition, problems arising as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of care to those passengers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any additional charges for housing and any food essential. For those customers who have received a reimbursement, then the responsibility of care terminates here. It is then the duty of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is conceivable, or where customers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to obtain additional support. Detailed embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Customers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution released in relation to a country that the consumer picks to travel to, and the customer selects to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Consumers are urged to check policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation 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 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 via an official booking site, then you must usually obtain a repayment.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory body and as such, require firms enlisted with them to refund 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 retailer, the specific company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement 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 vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers deciding not to be there – If customers decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the greater film groups have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further communication. For consumers who have already bought tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will continue, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities restarts as regular. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are advised to watch on the websites and social media informs 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 costs 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 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 provide the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a reimbursement should be paid. Bookings for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special occasions could probably be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a refund should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around postponing the event is vital.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should outline in detail the reason why a refund is not possible, including any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers 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 delivered.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, buyers 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 pandemic. Some delivery companies have proclaimed delays on unnecessary goods in favour of shipping medical items and essential items. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the items must be the first point of contact.

We have outlined the main consumer rights legislation that is valid in different circumstances below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and durable)
• As the tradertold
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the dealer

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

Customers who think that  any of the above don’t fit for their goods and have exceeded the first 30 days after  ordering, may be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic time frame
• Without causing considerable problem

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

• Keep the goods for a lower price
• Return back the items for a refund (full 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 consumer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the goods must suit the explanation given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during discussions over the call or personally

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

• A complete refund if the products have not been accepted (not used and problem noticed quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the products are worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, which might be tough if the description was given in words.

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

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit because of the circumstances, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked a trip which is no longer needed or have planned travel to a annulled event should contact the travel service for more information on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has suggested that everybody in a foreign land should come back to the United Kingdom, several are yet stuck with no means to get home.

The Government has taken steps like especially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this might take some time. Meanwhile, they have made numerous suggestions about what those people who are trapped in a foreign country should do.

If somebody suffers or feels they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is staying will give suggestion and assistance on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen should seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are normally displayed 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 stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is expiring, the measures required will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, check out the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be located by checking out:

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 details on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a inexpensive air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for additional details on transport home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those people having travel insurance must contact their service provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every single effort to go back home. People who can’t afford travel could also check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped must also keep themselves informed on the announcements from local travel companies.

It is vital to get in touch with family and friends to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer cash to those stuck to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is even the option for those trapped to get in touch with their employer and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary aid in certain circumstances. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stuck don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If money is over whilst trapped in a foreign country, The UK Government can also provide monetary aid in a few circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they should make sure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they return back to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to take care of this person till they come back.

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

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

If they are doing a job, they must keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated on their situation.

If they are working, 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.

Benefits or state pension while trapped abroad

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

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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