The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but necessary travel abroad, cities and areas. This comprises two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as soon as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is totally essential Several airlines are now stating cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a partnership with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are currently marooned abroad. Further information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration company will be utilized for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

Further information on travelling abroad and current government suggestions are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their destination – Entitled to a repayment or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Entire amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some customers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Consumers are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a refund/change in dates. Several airlines are letting commuters to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are urged to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial compensation in conditions where other means do not.

If patrons have arranged travel to affected zones after a warning was issued in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are recommended to ensure the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company directly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, many insurance companies have terminated selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain circumstances, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen circumstances, and due to the current circumstances, problems occuring as a result of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those passengers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any extra expenses for accommodation and any food required. For those consumers who have received a repayment, then the obligation of concern ends here. It is then the obligation of the commuter to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is possible, or where customers feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their current location to obtain additional support. Specific embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning released in relation to a country that the consumer picks to journey to, and the consumer chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Travellers are urged to check policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is necessary or a repayment 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 by means of an official booking site, then you must usually receive a refund.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket retailer, the specific 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 case to request repayments. There may also be the choice to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or revised date is revealed. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been postponed to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be requested via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the coordinator.

Customers wishing not to be there – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is little likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema closings

Numerous of the larger film chains have announced that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the option to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once service restarts as regular. Others are instructing that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Patrons are instucted to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel costs

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

Seperate terms and conditions may vary, but possibilities may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent circumstances.

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

Weddings and special occasions could probably be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company providing the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a refund should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be obtained back. If it is the consumer, or person who has booked the event that is choosing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around rescheduling the event is key.

For whatever that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a refund is not possible, consisting any costs they have sustained 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’ liable 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, clients can contact 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 remain unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Some delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded goods for delivering medical supplies and necessary goods. For more info on orders already placed or delays experienced, the business delivering the products must be the first contact point.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that applies in different situations listed below.

But, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, including different areas, is accessible by browsing consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While buying goods from a dealer, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they must be:

• Of nice quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealertold
• Exactly like any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose explained to the dealer

If requesting for repair or replacement within first 30 days, then the purchaser enters the wait period with the remaining 30 days (minimum of 7 days) resuming after repair/replacement.

Purchasers who feel that  any of the above do not apply to their products and have gone beyond the initial 30 days after  ordering, might be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within reasonable time frame
• Without resulting in significant problem

In case a repair/replacement is not possible then they might rather be permitted to:

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced price
• Return back the merchandise for a repayment (complete repayment within 6 months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the merchandise must go with the description given by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during discussions on the phone or in person

If the buyer thinks that the goods do not go with the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A full refund if the items haven’t been accepted (not used and fault noted immediately)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what was paid and what the items are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, which could be tough if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules regarding refunds of tickets affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are providing reimbursements on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered a little because of the situation, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending upon the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned travel which is not required or have booked travel to a annulled function should get in touch with the travel service for more information on their individual terms, including refund guidelines.

Though the Government has suggested that everyone in a foreign country must return back to the United Kingdom, many are still stuck without any way to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps like specially chartered planes to enable get citizens home, however this might take some time. For now, they have made numerous suggestions about what those people who are stuck in a foreign land should do.

If somebody has or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The authorities of both the region and country in which the customer is staying will give advice and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or believes that they are infected by, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen must take medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are normally shown when someone 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 region where the UK citizen resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions necessary will depend on the location 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 found 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 closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a reasonably priced flight home cannot be found

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

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 effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel can also check if their credit card insurance applies.

UK citizens who are trapped must even keep themselves informed on the messages from local travel firms.

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

Employment & perks / financial support

There is even the choice for those stranded to get in touch with their manager and ask for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary help in certain circumstances. Additional info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people trapped don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has promised to ensuring that British citizens abroad have access to accommodation, medical essentials, water and food.

If cash is over whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can also provide financial help in some circumstances. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ensure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be asked to carry on to do this till they return back to the UK.

They may ask friends or family to take care of this person until they return back.

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

If the stranded passenger has worries regarding their employment or self-employment

If they are doing a job, they should be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

If they are working, 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.

Perks or state pension whilst trapped in a foreign country

The trapped person will still receive Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign land 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 13 weeks while abroad.

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments while abroad 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