The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This includes two main travel advisory notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as quickly as as you possibly can if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign land except if it is absolutely indispensible Several airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to arrange special chartered flights. These will bring back nationals that are presently marooned abroad. Additional information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel supervision company will be used for stuck nationals to book and pay for the flight home.

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

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

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

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Customers are suggested to contact their hotels, asking for a compensation/modification in dates. Many airlines are allowing passengers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to make sure the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may payout financial reparation in situations where other ways do not.

If consumers have planned travel to infected zones after a notice was issued in the zone, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are advised to ensure the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company directly for further information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance plans and, in some circumstances, have altered cover as a consequence of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be utilized in unexpecteed situations, and due to the existing circumstances, concerns surfacing as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer regarded ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of concern to those customers in a foreign country if they have stopped a return flight. The airline should moreover pay for any extra costs for stay and any food essential. For those consumers who have received a repayment, then the responsibility of worry terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the passenger to arrange travel back to the UK.

In conditions where none of the above is probable, or where customers feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current locality to get more support. Individual embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Consumers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no caution published in relation to a country that the customer picks to journey to, and the customer selects to cancel their plans, then there is no automatic right to repayment.

Travellers are advised to verify policy and booking approval specifics and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is necessary or a reimbursement due. If you think that your customer 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 booked via an authorised booking site, then you should normally obtain a refund.

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 price when an event is cancelled. This does not consist of the charges paid for delivery.

It is suggested that for any other ticket retailer, the individual company terms and conditions are referred. For resale sites and other events, the corporation who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first instance to request refunds. There may also be the possibility to rebook at a later date if the event is being postponed.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rescheduled or altered date is revealed. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is unsuitable, then a reimbursement can be bidden through the original booking company.

As with cancelled events, this may not include the costs paid 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 customers choose not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still taking place, there is small chance of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the big film chains have announced that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further notice. For patrons who have already bought tickets, repayments or the possibility to postpone this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the bigger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once service recommences as usual. Others are recommending that they will be resting payments for memberships. Customers are advised 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 incurred for hotels and travel, then the companies for each of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but choices may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to current situations.

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

Marriages and special occasions could probably be affected by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the company or venue offering the service or organising cancels, then a refund should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding protection, terms and conditions should be consulted for everything that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or reschedule the event, then some costs might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around rescheduling the event is vital.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should define in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, comprising any costs they have experienced that are being passed on to the customer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects buyers for orders made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ responsible 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, buyers can contact their bank and try 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 companies have proclaimed delays on unnecessary products in favour of transporting medical items and necessary goods. For extra details on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the products must be the first point of contact.

We have explained the important consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different circumstances listed below.

But, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, 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 purchasing products from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Fit for the idea made known to the seller

When requesting 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 repair or replacement.

Customers who think that  any of the above don’t apply to their products and have exceeded the first thirty days after  purchase, can be eligible for replacement or repair that is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within realistic timescale
• Without leading to considerable difficulty

If a repair/replacement is not possible then they may rather be allowed to:

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

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the customer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the merchandise must go with the explanation provided by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advert
• Any description provided in an email or text message
Any description during chats over the phone or in person

If the buyer thinks that the items don’t match the seller’s description, then they can be eligible for;

• A total re-payment if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and fault seen quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to cover repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the products are really worth

The burden of proof is on the client to confirmverify that the items do not match the sellers description, which might be difficult if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different rules about re-payments of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are offering refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed slightly due to the situation, and an administration fee may apply, depending upon the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip which is not necessary or have planned travel to a cancelled occasion should contact the travel service for additional information on their individual terms, along with refund policies.

Though the Government has advised that everybody in a foreign land must return to the UK, many are yet stranded with no means to get back home.

The Government has implemented steps like especially chartered flights to help get citizens home, however this might take some time. For now, they have made numerous recommendation about what those trapped in a foreign land must do.

If someone has or thinks they have coronavirus

The authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is staying will give advice and help on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Additionally, the citizen should seek medical help and self-quarantine.

The NHS have compiled a guide on signs that are normally shown when somebody 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 region where the UK citizen resides can be used to get in touch with the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or otherwise check out:

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

If a visa is expiring soon

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend upon the area that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, 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

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply visit:

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

If a inexpensive air flight to home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for additional info on transport home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those with travel insurance should contact their service provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to return home. Those who cannot afford travel may even see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who are trapped should even keep themselves updated on the notice from local travel firms.

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

Employment & benefits / financial aid

There is also the option for those stuck to contact their manager and ask for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can also offer financial help in some circumstances. More information can be accessed on www.gov.uk

If money is over, or people stuck don’t have accommodation, or access to food / water / medical essentials

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

If cash runs out whilst stranded in a foreign country, The UK Government can as well provide financial assistance in some situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stuck abroad, they must make sure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If someone else is taking care of this person, they may be asked to carry on to do this until they return back to the UK.

They could ask family or friends to take care of this person till they come back.

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

If the stranded passenger has pressure about their employment or self-employment

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

If they are doing a job, 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.

Perks or state pension whilst stuck abroad

The trapped person will still receive 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 one is payable for 13 weeks while in a foreign country.

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

Any queries or doubts about benefit payments while in a foreign country 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