The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but essential travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This entails two important travel recommended 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 available 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel abroad except if it is totally vital Many airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the announcement that many countries are putting into effect ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back nationals that are presently marooned abroad. Further information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration company will be employed for stranded citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

More info on going abroad and present government suggestions are accessible at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their region – Entitled to a compensation or, in some cases, the option to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a package holiday

Complete expense of the holiday will be repaid. This is happening automatically for some patrons, but patrons can contact the company that they booked through for further explanation.

Flights and hotel reserved separately

Consumers are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a repayment/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to certify the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial reparation in conditions where other ways do not.

If customers have planned travel to infected regions after a caution was published in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are recommended to check 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 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 affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unforeseen situations, and owing to the current situation, concerns arising as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of returning 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 costs for accommodation and any food essential. For those patrons who have received a reimbursement, then the responsibility of care terminates here. It is then the duty of the traveller to arrange travel back to the UK.

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

Customers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution issued in regard to a destination that the traveller picks to travel to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Customers are advised to certify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is wanted or a repayment due. If you feel that your customer 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 via an certified booking site, then you must genrally receive a reimbursement.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket merchant, the individual company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the business who originally sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request repayments. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rearranged.

Rescheduled events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or altered date is announced. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a reimbursement can be bidden via the original booking company.

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

Individual events may differ, depending on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Patrons wishing not to show up – If patrons decide not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the greater movie franchises have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

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

Claiming back hotel and travel expenditures

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

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but possibilities may be offered to delay or rebook on an alternative date due to current conditions.

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. Reservations for marriages and special events

Weddings and special occasions could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue catering the service or managing cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for everything that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has reserved the event that is deciding to cancel or postpone the event, then some fees may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the organiser around postponing the event is essential.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the planner should define in detail the reason why a refund is not probable, consisting any costs they have sustained that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects consumers for orders 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 entertained.

For purchases under £100 made on a credit card, or those made on a debit card, consumers can get in touch with their bank and try and 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 are the same during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on uneeded goods in favour of shipping medical supplies and necessary products. For more details on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm shipping the goods must be the first point of contact.

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

Nonetheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering 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

When purchasing merchandise from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the sellertold
• Exactly like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Fit for the idea made known to the trader

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

Customers who think that  any of the above don’t apply to their goods and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  ordering, may be entitled to replacement or repair which is –

• Free of charge
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without resulting in significant difficulty

In case a repair or replacement is not possible then they might instead be entitled to:

• Keep the items for a lesser price
• Return the goods for a refund (complete repayment within 6 months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

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

• Any description in an ad
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone call or personally

If the customer thinks that the items don’t go with the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A total reimbursement if the goods have not been accepted (not used and issue seen quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are truly worth

The burden of proof is on the buyer to confirmverify that the products don’t go with the sellers description, which could be tough if the description was delivered verbally.

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

Scotrail are providing refunds on numerous train ticket types. Their process has altered slightly due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might apply, depending upon the ticket type.

A helpful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel which is not required or have planned travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel service for more info on their individual terms, as well as refund policies.

Though the Government has recommended that everybody in a foreign land should come back to the UK, several are yet trapped with no way to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps such as especially chartered flights to help bring citizens home, but this might take time. For now, they have made a lot of suggestions about what people who are stuck in a foreign land need to do.

If somebody has or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the customer is residing will give advice and help on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident should seek medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are normally shown 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 area where the UK citizen stays can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or instead visit:

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 necessary will depend upon the region that the UK citizen finds themselves. 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

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 locate the closest one in your area, please call on 0207 008 1500, or instead check out:

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

If a reasonably priced air flight to home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted at teh first place for additional details on transport home. They may be able to delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those having 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 go back home. Those who can’t afford travel can even check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped should also keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel companies.

It is vital to contact family and friends to ensure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they may be able to transfer money to those trapped to pay for flying back home.

Employment & perks / financial support

There is also the choice for those trapped to contact their employer and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can also provide financial help in certain circumstances. More info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical essentials

The UK Government has promised to guaranteeing that British citizens abroad have access to housing, medical supplies, water and food.

If cash runs out whilst trapped in a foreign land, The UK Government can as well provide monetary assistance in certain situations. Additional information can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they should ensure that anybody they are taking care of is seen well. If someone else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they fly back to the UK.

They may ask family or friends to look after this person until they fly back.

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

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

If they are doing a job, they must be in touch with their boss wherever possible to keep them updated about their condition.

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

Perks or state pension while stuck in a foreign land

The trapped person will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are in a foreign country for up to 4 weeks.

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

The State Pension will be paid regardless of how long the citizen has been abroad.

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

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