The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and locations. This comprises two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries except if it is totally essential Many airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of movement to slow the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return residents that are currently stranded abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management company will be employed for stuck nationals to book and pay for the flight home.

More information on going abroad and existing government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Whole cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some customers, but consumers can get in touch with the company that they booked through for additional explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Customers are advised to contact their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are urged to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial compensation in situations where other means do not.

If patrons have organised travel to infected areas after a notice was announced in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are recommended to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present happenings, many insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in some circumstances, have changed cover as a outcome of the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unprecedented situations, and owing to the present circumstances, issues arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those travellers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline should also pay for any further expenses for stay and any food required. For those customers who have received a refund, then the duty of concern terminates here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain additional help. Specific embassy locations can be found 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 notice issued in relation to a country that the consumer picks to journey to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to compensation.

Consumers are advised to check policy and booking confirmation details and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been violated, 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 reserved through an certified booking site, then you must usually receive a reimbursement.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory organisation and as such, oblige firms enlisted with them to reimburse the ticket’s face value amount when an event is cancelled. This does not comprise the charges paid for delivery.

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the particular company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who firstly 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 rearranged.

Rescheduled events

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

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

Individual events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers wishing not to be there – If patrons choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Quiet a few of the larger cinema franchises have declared that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already purchased tickets, repayments or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the bigger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are advising that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts 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 costs

If an event is terminated due to the coronavirus outbreak and there have been charges paid for hotels and travel, then the companies for each of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Specific terms and conditions may vary, but choices may be advanced to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current conditions.

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

Weddings and special functions could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company catering the service or organising cancels, then a repayment 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 retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or individual who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is essential.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a repayment is not probable, consisting any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers 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 delivered.

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 plan is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights remain unaffected throughout the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery and logistical companies have declared delays on avoidable items in favour of shipping medical supplies and essential goods. For additional info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the products should be the initial point of contact.

We have explained the important consumer rights legislation that is valid in various circumstances mentioned below.

, a complete guide to consumer rights, including different aspects, is accessible by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When buying products from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellertold
• Just like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the idea explained to the agent

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

Purchasers who believe that  any of the above do not fit for their items and have passed the first 30 days after  ordering, can be eligible for repair/replacement that is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within practical timescale
• Without leading to considerable problem

In case a repair/replacement isn’t possible then they might rather be permitted to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must match the description given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during chats on the phone call or in person

If the customer feels that the goods don’t go with the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

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

The burden of proof is on the client to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that might be tough if the description was given in words.

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

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

A useful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have booked travel that is no longer required or have booked travel to a annulled occasion should get in touch with the travel service for additional information on their individual conditions, as well as refund policies.

Although the Government has recommended that every person in a foreign land should return back to the UK, a lot are still stuck with no means to come back home.

The Government has adopted measures such as specially chartered planes to help get citizens home, however this might take some time. In the meanwhile, they have made several recommendation about what people who are stuck abroad need to do.

If somebody has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the client is residing will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Also, the resident must take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on signs that are typically revealed 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 region where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to find the one in your vicinity, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures required will depend on the region that the UK citizen is located. If uncertain, 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

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 contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for more info on going back home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

Those people with travel insurance should contact their provider as the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are stranded must also keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel companies.

It is important to get in touch with friends and family to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for flying back home.

Employment & benefits / financial assistance

There is also the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their boss and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary assistance in some situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

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

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

If money is over whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can also offer financial assistance in some circumstances. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this till they return to the UK.

They may request friends or family to take care of this person till they return back.

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

If the trapped passenger has pressure about their job or self-employment

If they are employed, they must keep in contact with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated about their condition.

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

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck abroad

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around a month.

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

The State Pension will be paid despite how long the citizen has been in a foreign land.

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign land can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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