The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised against all but necessary travel to foreign land, cities and locations. This includes two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are overseas, return to the UK as shortly as possible if commercial flights are still open 2. If you are presently in the UK, do not travel to foreign countries unless it is absolutely vital Various airlines are now declaring cessations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the revelation that several countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to slow the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will return nationals that are presently marooned abroad. More information will be announced by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A dedicated travel administration firm will be used for stuck residents to reserve and pay for the flight home.

More information on going abroad and existing government recommendations are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Customers who are yet to travel to their region – Owed a compensation or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for alternative date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights as part of a holiday package

Complete expense of the holiday will be refunded. This is happening inevitably for some patrons, but consumers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Consumers are recommended to call their hotels, asking for a repayment/adjustment in dates. Many airlines are allowing travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are advised to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may extend financial reimbursement in circumstances where other measures do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected regions after a notice was issued in the area, then there is a chance that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are advised to verify the details of their insurance policies and if at all unsure, contact their insurance company promptly for more information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of recent events, several insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance plans and, in certain conditions, have altered cover as a outcome of the coronavirus outbreak. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen conditions, and due to the current circumstances, issues occuring as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no channels of getting back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of care to those travellers abroad if they have stopped a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any additional charges for stay and any food required. For those consumers who have accepted a repayment, then the obligation of worry ends here. It is then the duty of the commuter to coordinate travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel trapped, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present location to get further assistance. Specific embassy locations can be found 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 caution released in relation to a destination that the customer chooses to travel to, and the customer picks to cancel their plans, then there is no guaranteed right to repayment.

Consumers are urged to verify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if clarification is required or a reimbursement due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been waived, 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 reserved via an certified booking site, then you ought to usually obtain a repayment.

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

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the specific 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 ask for 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 held until a rescheduled or revised date is declared. If there is an problem with the date that the event or concert has been to is incompatible, then a reimbursement can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Certain events may vary, contingent on the terms and conditions of the planner.

Patrons choosing not to be there – If customers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still carrying on, there is small possibility of getting money back.

Cinema closures

Several of the greater film groups have stated that they will be closing all their screens in the UK until further communication. For consumers who have already gotten tickets, repayments or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are presented.

A few of the greater chains with loyalty cards and monthly membership are instructing that monthly payments will continue, with a view to offering the ‘time back’ once facilities recommences as normal. Others are advising that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Consumers are recommended to watch on the websites and social media apprises from the cinema that they have booked through.

Getting back hotel and travel expenditures

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

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

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incompetent to deliver the service due to the coronavirus epidemic, then a reimbursement should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special functions

Marriages and special occasions could potentially be afflicted by the outbreak of coronavirus. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or managing cancels, then a refund should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding insurance, terms and conditions should be consulted for anything that can be retrieved back. If it is the consumer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or postpone the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the planner around postponing the event is vital.

For whatever that has previously been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be repaid, the organiser should define in detail the cause why a reimbursement is not possible, consisting 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’ liable 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 contact their bank and attempt to 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 remain unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery and logistical companies have announced delays on uneeded products for shipping medical supplies and vital items. For additional details on orders placed or delays experienced, the company shipping the goods must be the first point of contact.

We have detailed the important consumer rights legislation that is relevant in different circumstances mentioned below.

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

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering merchandise from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they should be:

• Of acceptable quality (free from any faults / damage and long-lasting)
• As the agentdescribed
• The same as any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose explained to the dealer

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

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

• Free of cost
• Repair should be durable
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without resulting in significant difficulty

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

• Keep the products for a lesser rate
• Return the products for a reimbursement (complete refund in 6 months or partial refund after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

Whenever something is ordered from a private seller, the buyer is covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must go with the description provided by the seller. This includes:

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

If the purchaser believes that the items do not match the seller’s description, then they could be entitled to;

• A full reimbursement if the items have not been accepted (not used and problem seen quickly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to apy for repairs or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to prove that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, which might be tough if the description was delivered orally.

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

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has changed a little because of the circumstances, and an administration fee may be imposed, depending on the ticket type.

A valuable guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be seen here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those people who have planned travel that is not needed or have booked travel to a cancelled function should get in touch with the travel provider for additional info on their individual conditions, as well as refund policies.

Although the Government has recommended that everyone in a foreign land should return to the United Kingdom, several are still stuck with no way to get back home.

The Government has adopted measures such as especially chartered flights to enable bring citizens home, however this may take time. Meanwhile, they have made several suggestions regarding what those trapped abroad must do.

If someone suffers or believes they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and nation in which the customer is residing will provide advice and guidance on what to do if somebody suffers, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the citizen must take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on symptoms that are typically displayed when a person 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 area where the UK citizen finds themselves can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional information on embassies, or to locate the nearest one to you, please contact 0207 008 1500, or otherwise visit:

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

If a visa is coming to an end soon

If a visa is coming to an end, the measures necessary will depend on the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that nation from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be read by checking out:

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 closest one in your area, please contact 0207 008 1500, or instead click:

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

If a inexpensive flight to home cannot be found

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

Those having travel insurance must get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every 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 messages from local travel companies.

It is important to get in touch with family and friends to ensure they are aware that everyone in the party is safe and secure. If possible, they may be able to transfer cash to those people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / financial support

There is even the option for those stranded to contact their manager and ask for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even offer financial help in some situations. More information can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or people stranded don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If money runs out whilst stranded abroad, The UK Government can even offer financial aid in some situations. More details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded abroad, they must make sure that anybody they are a carer for is looked after. If somebody else is taking care of this person, they could be requested to carry on to do this till they come back to the UK.

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

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

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

If they are employed, they must be in touch with their employer wherever possible to keep them informed on their situation.

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

Perks or state pension while stuck in a foreign country

The trapped passenger will still get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit if they are abroad for around 4 weeks.

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

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

Any questions or concerns regarding benefit payments whilst in a foreign country can be responed 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