The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but important travel to foreign land, towns and regions. This includes two important travel recommended notices: 1. If you are abroad, 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, don’t travel to foreign countries unless it is utterly vital Several airlines are now stating terminations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the revelation that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restriction of travel to reduce the spread of the virus.

The Government has declared a collaboration with airlines to plan special chartered flights. These will return nationals that are presently stranded abroad. More information will be released by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A committed travel administration company will be used for stuck citizens to book and pay for the flight back home.

More info on travelling abroad and current government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Consumers who are yet to travel to their destination – Owed a refund or, in some cases, the option to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Entire expense of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some consumers, but consumers can contact the company that they booked through for extra clarification.

Flights and hotel booked separately

Patrons are recommended to call their hotels, requesting a refund/adjustment in dates. Several airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Consumers are urged to make sure the particulars of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may offer financial compensation in circumstances where other means do not.

If consumers have organised travel to infected zones after a warning was published in the area, then there is a possibility that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Consumers are advised to ensure the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent happenings, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in some situations, have modified cover as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has stated that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen conditions, and owing to the present situation, problems occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already overseas and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a obligation of care to those customers overseas if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any extra expenses for accommodation and any food vital. For those consumers who have received a reimbursement, then the responsibility of care terminates here. It is then the obligation of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is probable, or where patrons feel stuck, they are recommended to contact the embassy in their current location to seek additional help. Specific embassy locations can be obtained by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching depending on your destination.

Travellers choosing to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no notice issued in relation to a destination that the traveller chooses to go to, and the traveller chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no automatic right to compensation.

Travellers are urged to verify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation 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 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 reserved via an official booking site, then you ought to normally get a repayment.

The Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR) is the industry’s self-regulatory body and as such, oblige firms listed with them to repay the ticket’s face value price when an event is cancelled. This does not comprise 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 business who formerly sold the tickets should be contacted in the first case to request reimbursements. There may also be the option to rebook at a later date if the event is being rescheduled.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a postponed or changed date is announced. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been pushed to is not fitting, then a refund can be bidden through the original booking company.

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

Certain events may be different, contingent on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Consumers deciding not to be there – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is little possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the greater cinema chains have announced that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further notice. For consumers who have already purchased tickets, refunds or the choice to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly fees will carry on, with a view to imparting the ‘time back’ once service restarts as usual. Others are instructing that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Consumers are advised to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Obtaining back hotel and travel charges

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

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to deliver the service due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a reimbursement should be paid. Reservations for marriages and special functions

Weddings and special events could probably be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the company or venue offering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a reimbursement should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be consulted for whatever that can be retrieved back. If it is the customer, or person who has booked the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some charges might apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around delaying the event is key.

For anything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the planner should outline in detail the basis why a refund is not probable, consisting any costs they have incurred that are being passed on to the buyer.

Consumer rights and useful legislation

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act protects clients for orders 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 provided.

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 unchanged throughout the coronavirus crisis. Some delivery and logistical firms have proclaimed delays on unnecessary items for shipping medical supplies and vital goods. For additional information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the company delivering the products must be the first point of contact.

We have explained the main consumer rights legislation that applies in various situations mentioned below.

Nevertheless, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, including 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 buying goods from a seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerdepited
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Right for the idea explained to the seller

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

Buyers who believe that  any of the above do not apply to their products and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  purchase, might be eligible for replacement or repair which is –

• Free of cost
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be same
• Within realistic time frame
• Without leading to significant inconvenience

If a replacement or repair is not possible then they might rather be allowed to:

• Keep the goods for a lower rate
• Return the items for a repayment (complete repayment in 6 months or perhaps partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

If something is purchased from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which states the products must suit the explanation given by the seller. This incorporates:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description provided in an email or text
Any description during discussions on the call or in person

If the buyer believes that the goods don’t go with the seller’s description, then they could be eligible for;

• A total refund if the products haven’t been accepted (not used and problem noted immediately)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between what amount was paid and what the items are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the buyer to prove that the goods don’t match the sellers description, that can be difficult if the description was delivered in words.

Rail companies and travel companies have different policies regarding refunds of tickets impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Scotrail are giving refunds on several train ticket types. Their process has changed a little due to the circumstances, and an administration charge might be imposed, depending on the type of ticket.

A valuable guide to refunds that are available from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned travel that is no longer required or have planned travel to a annulled function should call the travel provider for additional details on their individual terms and conditions, including refund policies.

Though the Government has suggested that every person abroad must return back to the UK, many are still trapped without any way to come back home.

The Government has taken measures like especially chartered planes to help bring citizens home, but this might take some time. For the timebeing, they have made numerous recommendation about what those people who are trapped in a foreign country should do.

If someone suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the buyer is residing will provide suggestion and guidance on what to do if someone suffers, or thinks that they are infected by, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must take medical assistance and self-quarantine.

The NHS have come up with a guide on symptoms that are generally shown when somebody has 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 contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the closest one in your area, please get in touch with 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a visa is expiring quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions mandatory will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If unsure, check out 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 more information on embassies, or to find the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or simply check out:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

The travel company must be contacted at teh first place for more details on transport home. They may delay or reimburse payment for the trip home.

People having travel insurance must contact their provider because the cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every single effort to return home. People who cannot afford travel could also check if their credit card insurance is applicable.

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

It is important to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they know that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they might transfer money to people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / monetary support

There is even the option for those stuck to contact their manager and request for an advance of their salary to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer monetary assistance in a few circumstances. Additional info can be accessed on www.gov.uk

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

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

If money runs out whilst stuck in a foreign country, The UK Government can also offer financial aid in some situations. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

If the stranded passenger has to take care for somebody back in the UK

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must make sure that anyone they are taking care of is seen well. If someone 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 could ask family or friends to take care of this person till they fly back.

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

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

If they are doing a job, they should be in touch with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated about their situation.

If they are employed, 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 trapped in a foreign country

The trapped passenger 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, each one is payable for thirteen weeks while in a foreign country.

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

Any queries or doubts about benefit payments whilst abroad can be answered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or visiting:

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