The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign land, cities and regions. This includes two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly 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 totally vital Several airlines are now stating cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are implementing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back nationals that are presently marooned abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel supervision company will be utilized for stuck citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on going abroad and current government advices are accessible 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 possibility to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

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

Flights and hotel reserved independantly

Consumers are suggested to contact their hotels, asking for a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing travellers 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

Patrons are advised to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial reimbursement in circumstances where other means do not.

If customers have planned travel to affected areas after a warning was published in the region, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Consumers are recommended to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in several situations, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unprecedented conditions, and owing to the current situation, problems arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those travellers abroad if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline ought to moreover pay for any extra expenses for housing and any food vital. For those customers who have received a reimbursement, then the obligation of worry finishes here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where none of the above is possible, or where patrons feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to seek additional help. Individual embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in relation to a destination that the traveller selects to travel to, and the customer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Consumers are advised to verify policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you think 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 through an authorised booking site, then you should normally receive a reimbursement.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the particular company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the business who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or altered date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is unsuitable, then a repayment can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

Specific events may be different, contingent on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Customers deciding not to show up – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is not much possibility of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the larger cinema chains have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already bought tickets, refunds or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities recommences as regular. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel costs

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

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but options may be advanced to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to deliver the amenity due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a repayment should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special occasions

Weddings and special occasions could potentially be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the service or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be arranged for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be obtained back. If it is the customer, or individual who has booked the event that is deciding to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is essential.

For anything that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the planner should outline in detail the reason why a reimbursement is not conceivable, comprising 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 buyers for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable 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, clients can get in touch with their bank and try 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. Some delivery companies have proclaimed delays on non-essential products in favour of transporting medical supplies and essential goods. For extra details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the products must be the very first point of contact.

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

Nonetheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including 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

While ordering goods from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the sellertold
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the idea told to the trader

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

Buyers who think that  any of the above do not fit for their products and have passed the first 30 days after  ordering, may be eligible for repair/replacement that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without leading to significant trouble

In case a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they may rather be allowed to:

• Keep the items for a reduced price
• Return the goods for a refund (total reimbursement within 6 months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must suit the explanation given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an e-mail or text message
Any description during chats over the phone call or face to face

If the customer feels that the goods don’t match the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and defect seen quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are actually worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the items don’t match the sellers description, which might be hard if the description was given verbally.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules about reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration charge may apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked a trip which is not necessary or have planned travel to a annulled event should get in touch with the travel provider for additional information on their individual terms, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has Informed that every person in a foreign land should return to the United Kingdom, many are yet stranded with no way to get back home.

The Government has taken measures such as specially chartered planes to help bring citizens home, however this may take some time. For now, they have made several suggestions about what people who are stuck in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and country in which the customer is residing will give suggestion and assistance on what to do if someone has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the citizen should take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are generally displayed when someone is infected by coronavirus. This is available 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, check out the travel advice for that country 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 info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a inexpensive air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional info on flying 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 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. Those who can’t afford travel could even see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves stuck should even keep themselves updated on the announcements from local travel companies.

It is essential to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those people trapped to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / financial aid

There is also the choice for those trapped to contact their employer and request for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial assistance in some situations. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or people trapped don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical supplies

The UK Government has promised to ensuring that British citizens in foreign country have access to accommodation, medical supplies, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer monetary aid in certain situations. More information can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for a family member back in the UK

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign country, they must make sure that anyone they are taking care of is looked after. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to continue to do this till they fly back to the UK.

They could request family or friends to look after this person till 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 pressure regarding their job or self-employment

If they are employed, they must contact their manager wherever possible to keep them informed on 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 make an application for the self-employment income support scheme.

Perks or state pension whilst trapped in a foreign country

The stranded person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land for up to a 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 regardless of how long the citizen stays in a foreign country.

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or clicking:

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