The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This includes two key travel advisory notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still accessible 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is absolutely vital Many airlines are now stating cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has declared a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered planes. These will return residents that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision firm will be utilized for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight home.

More details on going abroad and current government suggestions are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to fly to their region – Entitled to a refund or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for another date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a package holiday

Complete cost of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening automatically for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they booked through for further clarification.

Hotel and Flights booked individually

Consumers are advised to call their hotels, asking for a refund/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may extend financial reparation in conditions where other means do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected zones after a warning was published in the region, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are urged to verify the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent affairs, many insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance plans and, in some 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 utilized in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the current condition, issues arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no means of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of concern to those travellers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must also pay for any extra costs for accommodation and any food required. For those patrons who have accepted a repayment, then the duty of care terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the commuter to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their present locality to obtain further assistance. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Customers opting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in regard to a country that the customer picks to travel to, and the customer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Travellers are insisted to verify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a refund due. If you belive that your customer rights have been waived, 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 by means of an official booking site, then you must genrally get a repayment.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the particular company terms and conditions are checked. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who firstly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to ask for reimbursements. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be retained until a rearranged or changed date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

Specific events may vary, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Customers deciding not to attend – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is small likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Quiet a few of the larger movie groups have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For customers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as normal. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel charges

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

Seperate terms and conditions may alter, but options may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to current circumstances.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to provide the facility due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a repayment should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special functions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a repayment should be prepared for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or individual who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some charges may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around postponing the event is essential.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the organiser should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not conceivable, including any costs they have sustained 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’ responsible 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 try and 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 unaffected during the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded products in favour of delivering medical supplies and vital goods. For extra information on orders placed or delays experienced, the business shipping the items must be the initial point of contact.

We have detailed the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in various circumstances mentioned below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While buying merchandise from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the sellerdepited
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose made known to the dealer

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

Customers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t apply to their products and have passed the initial thirty days after  ordering, might be eligible for repair or replacement that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long term
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without causing considerable trouble

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

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced price
• Return back the products for a reimbursement (complete refund within six months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must match the explanation provided by the seller. This incorporates:

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

If the buyer thinks that the items do not match the seller’s description, then they may be eligible for;

• A full re-payment if the goods have not been accepted (not used and issue noticed instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the client to prove that the items don’t match the sellers description, that could be tough if the description was delivered in words.

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

Scotrail are giving reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A helpful guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel which is no longer necessary or have planned travel to a annulled occasion should call the travel service for additional information on their individual conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Although the Government has advised that every person abroad must return back to the United Kingdom, several are still stuck with no way to get back home.

The Government has taken steps such as specially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this may take time. For now, they have made several recommendation regarding what those people who are stuck in a foreign country need to do.

If somebody has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and nation in which the client is staying will provide advice and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident should seek medical help and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are generally displayed when a person has 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 contact the local authorities. For more information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 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 actions required will depend on the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Additionally, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional details on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If an affordable flight home cannot be found

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

People with travel insurance should get in touch with their service 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 also check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who find themselves stuck must also keep themselves updated on the declarations from local travel firms.

It is vital to get in touch with friends and family to make sure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those stranded to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary support

There is even the choice for those stuck to get in touch with their boss and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide monetary aid in certain situations. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or people trapped don’t have somewhere to stay, 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 supplies, water and food.

If money is over whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can also provide monetary assistance in a few situations. More details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the trapped passenger needs to take care for a relative in the UK

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they must make sure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they return 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 support and advice.

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

If they are employed, they must be in touch with their manager 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 apply for the self-employment income support scheme.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign country

The trapped person will still attain Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country 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 thirteen weeks while in a foreign country.

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments while 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 clicking:

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