The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has directed against all but important travel to foreign countries, cities and areas. This entails two main travel advisory 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 open 2. If you are currently in the UK, don’t travel to foreign land except if it is totally vital Many airlines are now announcing terminations of flights and the stalling of aircraft after the declaration that many countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the restraint of movement to reduce the increase of the virus.

The Government has proclaimed a partnership with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back residents that are currently stuck abroad. More information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies as well as all British high commissions. A dedicated travel management company will be utilized for stuck citizens to book and pay for the flight home.

More info on travelling abroad and existing government advices are available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their region – Due a repayment or, in some cases, the possibility to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Whole cost of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening inevitably for some consumers, but customers can get in touch with the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights booked independantly

Patrons are suggested to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a compensation/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are letting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to check the specifics of travel insurance policies that they have procured. These may offer financial compensation in conditions where other ways do not.

If patrons have organised travel to affected regions after a caution was announced in the zone, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be nullified by this. Customers are urged to check the specifics of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company straight for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of current affairs, many insurance companies have stopped selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain circumstances, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has declared that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unforeseen situations, and due to the current situation, concerns occuring as a outcome of coronavirus are no longer deemed ‘unforeseen’.

Already abroad and no channels of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a duty of concern to those passengers in a foreign country if they have cancelled a return flight. The airline must moreover pay for any further costs for housing and any food vital. For those consumers who have received a refund, then the duty of care terminates here. It is then the responsibility of the traveller to arrange travel back to the UK.

In circumstances where neither of the above is probable, or where consumers feel stranded, they are advised to contact the embassy in their present locality to seek additional support. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Customers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning issued in relation to a country that the customer chooses to travel to, and the consumer chooses to call off their plans, then there is no certain right to compensation.

Customers are advised to verify policy and booking confirmation particulars and to contact their insurance/travel provider if explanation is required or a repayment due. If you think that your customer 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 booked via an certified booking site, then you ought to genrally 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 reimburse the ticket’s face value cost when an event is cancelled. This does not comprise the fee paid for delivery.

It is suggested that for any other ticket seller, the individual company terms and conditions are consulted. 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 rearranged.

Postponed events

Original tickets should be kept until a rearranged or revised date is declared. If there is an issue with the date that the event or concert has been moved to is incompatible, then a refund can be asked for via the original booking company.

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

Specific events may be different, depending on the terms and conditions of the organiser.

Patrons choosing not to be there – If consumers wish not to concerts or sporting events, but the event is still going ahead, there is not much likelihood of getting money back.

Cinema cessations

Numerous of the greater movie chains have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For customers who have already gotten tickets, refunds or the possibility to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are offered.

A few of the greater groups with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly payments will carry on, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once amenities resumes as regular. Others are advising that they will be pausing payments for memberships. Customers are advised to watch on the websites and social media updates from the cinema that they have booked through.

Claiming back hotel and travel costs

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

Seperate terms and conditions may differ, but options may be proposed to reschedule or rebook on an alternative date due to present conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is incapable to offer the service due to the coronavirus pandemic, then a refund should be paid. Deposits for marriages and special occasions

Marriages and special functions could possibly be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company providing the service or managing cancels, then a repayment should be arranged for whatever has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be conferred for whatever that can be claimed 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 planner around delaying the event is vital.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be refunded, the coordinator should outline in detail the cause why a repayment is not conceivable, consisting any costs they have incurred 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 service or product that has been paid for cannot be entertained.

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 scheme is at the discretion of the bank or building society.

Consumer rights are unaffected throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of delivery firms have announced delays on avoidable items in favour of shipping medical items and essential products. For extra details on orders placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the items must be the very first point of contact.

We have explained the key consumer rights legislation that applies in different situations below.

Nonetheless, a more comprehensive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is accessible by visiting consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

When ordering products from a agent, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states they should be:

• Of satisfactory quality (free from any defects / damage and long-lasting)
• As the dealerdepited
• Just like any sample shown
• Exactly like any model shown  Right for the purpose told to the dealer

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

Customers who believe that  any of the above don’t fit for their goods and have passed the initial thirty days after  purchase, might be eligible for replacement or repair which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within practical time frame
• Without leading to considerable trouble

In case a replacement or repair isn’t possible then they may instead be entitled to:

• Keep the goods for a lesser price
• Return the goods for a repayment (full repayment in 6 months or perhaps partial reimbursement after or if a vehicle)

Private Sales – Sale of Goods Act 1979

When something is bought from a private seller, the buyer is insured by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the merchandise must suit the description given by the seller. This includes:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an e-mail or text message
Any description during conversations over the phone call or face to face

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

• A full reimbursement if the products have not been accepted (not used and defect observed quickly)
• Damages – a monetary amount to apy for mending or the difference between what was paid and what the goods are really worth

The trouble of proof is on the customer to confirmverify that the goods don’t go with the sellers description, that could be hard if the description was given verbally.

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

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a little because of the situation, and an administration fee might be imposed, depending upon the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are provided from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds Those who have planned a trip which is no longer essential or have booked travel to a annulled event should contact the travel service for additional details on their individual conditions, including refund policies.

Though the Government has suggested that everybody abroad must come back to the United Kingdom, several are still stuck with no means to get back home.

The Government has implemented measures like specially chartered planes to enable bring citizens home, but this might take some time. In the meanwhile, they have made several recommendation about what those trapped in a foreign land need to do.

If someone suffers or feels they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the area and country in which the client is residing will give advice and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or believes that they have, coronavirus. Also, the resident should take medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have put together a guide on signs that are typically displayed when someone 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 region where the UK citizen stays can be used to contact the local authorities. For additional info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively click:

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

If a visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is expiring, the actions required will depend upon the location that the UK citizen finds themselves. If unsure, check out the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found 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 locate the nearest one to you, please call on 0207 008 1500, or otherwise click:

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

If an affordable air flight home cannot be booked

The travel company should be contacted in the first instance for more info on going back home. They might delay or waive payment for the trip to home town.

Those having travel insurance must contact their provider as the insurance cover will be extended by 60 days if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. People who can’t afford travel could also see if their credit card insurance is applicable.

UK citizens who find themselves trapped must even keep themselves informed on the declarations from local travel companies.

It is essential to get in touch with 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 people stranded to pay for transport home.

Employment & benefits / financial aid

There is also the option for those trapped to contact their manager and request for an advance of their payment to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide financial aid in some situations. Additional information can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash runs out, or those stuck don’t have somewhere to stay, or access to food / 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 country, The UK Government can also provide monetary assistance in some circumstances. Additional details can be accessed on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is stranded in a foreign country, they must ascertain that anyone they are a carer for is seen well. If someone else is looking after this person, they could be requested to continue to do this until they return back to the UK.

They could request friends or family 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 suggestion and help.

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

If they are working, they must keep in contact with their manager wherever possible to keep them updated 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 whilst stranded in a foreign land

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

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

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

Any queries or doubts regarding benefit payments while in a foreign land 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