The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign countries, towns and areas. This entails two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad except if it is totally essential Many airlines are now announcing cancellations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of travel to lower the increase of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to organise special chartered planes. These will bring back nationals that are currently marooned abroad. Additional information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A devoted travel management company will be employed for marooned citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

Additional info on going abroad and current government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their destination – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Complete amount of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening certainly for some consumers, but patrons can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Flights and hotel booked independantly

Patrons are advised to call their hotels, requesting a compensation/change in dates. Various airlines are letting passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Customers are urged to certify the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial compensation in circumstances where other measures do not.

If patrons have planned travel to infected zones after a notice was issued in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be invalidated by this. Customers are recommended to verify the particulars of their insurance policies and if at all uncertain, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current events, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain situations, have modified cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen situations, and owing to the current situation, concerns arising as a result of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those passengers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline must also pay for any additional expenses for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have accepted a reimbursement, then the obligation of care terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where none of the above is possible, or where patrons feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current locality to get further assistance. Individual embassy locations can be found by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in regard to a country that the customer picks to travel to, and the traveller chooses to cancel their plans, then there is no certain right to repayment.

Travellers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if clarification is wanted or a reimbursement due. If you think 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 via an official booking site, then you must genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

It is advised that for any other ticket seller, 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 possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be held until a postponed or revised date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may be different, contingent 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 going ahead, there is small likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Several of the big movie groups have declared that they will be terminating all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone 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 resume, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once amenities restarts as normal. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Patrons are recommended to watch on the websites and social media informs from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Individual terms and conditions may differ, but possibilities may be proposed to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to present circumstances.

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

Marriages and special functions could possibly be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company offering the ceremony or organising cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for everything that can be obtained back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should define in detail the cause why a refund is not probable, including any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the consumer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients for purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ accountable 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, consumers can contact their bank and try and 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 during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery companies have declared delays on non-essential products in favour of transporting medical items and essential products. For more information on orders placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the goods must be the very first contact point.

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

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While buying items from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the tradermentioned
• The same as any sample shown
• Just like any model shown  Right for the purpose made known to the dealer

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

Purchasers who feel that  anything mentioned above do not apply to their items and have gone beyond the initial thirty days after  ordering, may be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be like for like
• Within realistic timescale
• Without resulting in considerable trouble

If a repair or replacement is not possible then they may rather be entitled to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is ordered from a private seller, the consumer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which declares the products must match the explanation provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an e-mail or text
Any description during chats on the phone call or personally

If the purchaser thinks that the products do not go with the seller’s description, then they may be entitled to;

• A complete reimbursement if the goods have not been accepted (not used and issue seen instantly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are really worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the products don’t match the sellers description, which can be hard if the description was delivered verbally.

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

Scotrail are offering reimbursements on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a little due to the situation, and an administration fee may apply, depending upon the type of ticket.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have booked travel which is no longer essential or have planned travel to a annulled function should contact the travel provider for more information on their individual terms, including refund policies.

Although the Government has advised that everybody in a foreign country should return back to the UK, a lot are yet trapped without any means to come back home.

The Government has adopted steps such as specially chartered flights to help get citizens home, however this may take time. For now, they have made several recommendation regarding what those people who are trapped in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and country in which the buyer is residing will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or feels that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are normally displayed when somebody is infected by 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 resides can be used to contact 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 check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions necessary will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If doubtful, look at the travel advice for that country 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 information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively check out:

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

If a inexpensive air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for more information 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 service provider as the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. People who can’t afford travel could even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are stuck should even keep themselves informed on the notice from local travel companies.

It is important to contact friends and family to make sure they know that everyone in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those stuck to pay for coming back home.

Employment & perks / monetary aid

There is even the choice for those stranded to contact their manager and request for advance payment of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary assistance in a few situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or those 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 abroad have access to accommodation, medical essentials, food and water.

If money runs out whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can even provide monetary assistance in some situations. More info can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they must ensure that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is looking after this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this till they return back to the UK.

They could request friends or family to take care of this person until they fly back.

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

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

If they are working, they should be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them informed on their condition.

If they are employed, 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.

Benefits or state pension whilst trapped in a foreign land

The trapped person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for up to one month.

In the case of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Carer’s Allowance, each one is payable for 13 weeks while in a foreign land.

The State Pension will be paid irrespective of how long the citizen stays in a foreign country.

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments while abroad can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be got in touch with by calling or visiting:

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