The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has suggested against all but essential travel abroad, towns and regions. This entails two key travel recommended notices: 1. If you are in a foreign country, return to the UK as quickly as possible if commercial flights are still available 2. If you are currently in the UK, do not travel abroad unless it is absolutely essential Many airlines are now announcing cessations of flights and the grounding of aircraft after the declaration that various countries are executing ‘lockdown’ of borders and the constraint of movement to lower the spread of the virus.

The Government has announced a affiliation with airlines to plan special chartered planes. These will bring back residents that are currently marooned abroad. Further information will be issued by the government’s travel advice, all British embassies and all British high commissions. A devoted travel administration company will be utilized for stranded citizens to reserve and pay for the flight back home.

More information on going abroad and current government recommendations are offered at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Patrons who are yet to travel to their destination – Due a compensation or, in some cases, the choice to rebook for some other date.

Flight and Holiday Cancellations

Flights being part of a holiday package

Complete amount of the holiday will be compensated. This is happening automatically for some customers, but customers can contact the company that they made reservations through for extra explanation.

Hotel and Flights reserved independantly

Patrons are recommended to get in touch with their hotels, requesting a repayment/adjustment in dates. Various airlines are permitting travellers to rebook flights for free.

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

Travel Insurance policies

Patrons are recommended to certify the details of travel insurance policies that they have taken out. These may payout financial compensation in circumstances where other ways do not.

If consumers have planned travel to affected zones after a caution was published in the region, then there is a risk that any insurance policy may be discredited by this. Patrons are recommended to ensure the details of their insurance policies and if at all doubtful, contact their insurance company promptly for extra information.

New travel insurance policies

In light of present events, many insurance companies have ceased selling new travel insurance policies and, in certain situations, have altered cover as a result of the coronavirus epidemic. The Association of British Insurers has affirmed that travel insurance is a product meant to be used in unexpecteed circumstances, and due to the present circumstances, problems surfacing as a consequence of coronavirus are no longer considered ‘unforeseen’.

Already in a foreign country and no meathods of returning back to the UK – Airlines have a responsibility of worry to those customers abroad if they have terminated a return flight. The airline ought to also pay for any further charges for stay and any food required. For those patrons who have taken a refund, then the responsibility of concern ends here. It is then the duty of the passenger to organise travel back to the UK.

In situations where neither of the above is possible, or where consumers feel trapped, they are instructed to contact the embassy in their current locality to obtain further assistance. Detailed embassy locations can be acquired by visiting www.gov.uk/world/embassies and searching based on your destination.

Travellers wanting to cancel their travel plans

If there has been no warning published in relation to a country that the consumer picks to journey to, and the traveller chooses to abandon their plans, then there is no certain right to reimbursement.

Customers are urged to certify policy and booking approval particulars and to contact their insurance/travel source if explanation is wanted or a repayment due. If you feel that your consumer rights have been breached, 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 by means of an certified booking site, then you ought to usually receive a repayment.

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

It is recommended that for any other ticket seller, the particular company terms and conditions are consulted. For resale sites and other events, the company who originally 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 postponed.

Postponed events

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

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

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

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

Cinema closures

Quiet a few of the greater film chains have stated that they will be shutting all their screens in the UK until further announcement. For patrons who have already bought tickets, repayments or the option to reschedule this to a later date (if possible) are available.

A few of the larger franchises with loyalty cards and monthly membership are recommending that monthly charges will resume, with a view to giving the ‘time back’ once facilities restarts as regular. Others are instructing that they will be stopping payments for memberships. Customers 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 every one of these should be contacted for more information on repayments.

Specific terms and conditions may alter, but choices may be proposed to postpone or rebook on an alternative date due to recent conditions.

As a side note, if the hotel or travel provider is unable to provide the facility due to the coronavirus outbreak, then a reimbursement should be paid. Bookings for weddings and special functions

Weddings and special events could possibly be afflicted by the coronavirus outbreak. If the venue or company catering the ceremony or arranging cancels, then a refund should be organised for everything that has been cancelled. For those with wedding cover, terms and conditions should be checked for whatever that can be claimed back. If it is the buyer, or person who has reserved the event that is wishing to cancel or rearrange the event, then some costs may apply. Negotiation and discussion with the coordinator around rescheduling the event is key.

For everything that has already been paid in terms of deposits that cannot be reimbursed, the coordinator should define in detail the cause why a repayment is not possible, 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 purchases made on credit cards in excess of £100. This makes the credit card company ‘joint and severally’ liable 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, buyers can get in touch with their bank and try and 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 unchanged during the coronavirus crisis. A couple of delivery firms have declared delays on unnecessary products in favour of transporting medical supplies and vital items. For additional information on orders already placed or delays experienced, the firm delivering the items should be the very first contact point.

We have outlined the key consumer rights legislation that is relevant in various circumstances listed below.

But, a more inclusive guide to consumer rights, covering different areas, is available by going thorugh consumeradvice.scot knowledge centre: https://www.consumeradvice.scot/knowledge-centre/

Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Faulty Goods – Repair or Replace

While ordering products from a trader, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 declares they must be:

• Of good quality (free from any faults / damage and durable)
• As the traderexplained
• The same as any sample shown
• The same as any model shown  Fit for the purpose explained to the dealer

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

Purchasers who think that  anything mentioned above don’t fit for their goods and have gone beyond the first 30 days after  purchase, might be eligible for repair or replacement which is –

• Cost-free
• Repair should be long lasting
• Replacement should be exact same
• Within reasonable timescale
• Without resulting in considerable difficulty

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

• Keep the merchandise for a reduced price
• Return the merchandise for a repayment (full refund within six months or 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 covered by the Sale of Goods Act 1979 which claims the products must suit the description provided by the seller. This comprises:

• Any description in an advertisement
• Any description given in an email or text message
Any description during discussions on the phone or face to face

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

• A complete re-payment if the items have not been accepted (not used and defect noticed instantly)
• Loss – a monetary amount to cover mending or the difference between the amount that was paid and what the products are worth

The trouble of proof is on the purchaser to confirmverify that the products do not match the sellers description, that can be hard if the description was given in words.

Rail companies and travel services have different rules regarding reimbursements of tickets affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Scotrail are providing refunds on many train ticket types. Their process has altered a bit due to the circumstances, and an administration fee might apply, depending on the ticket type.

A useful guide to refunds that are offered from Scotrail can be found here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/refunds People who have booked a trip that is not needed or have planned travel to a annulled function should contact the travel provider for more details on their individual terms and conditions, as well as refund guidelines.

Though the Government has recommended that everyone abroad must come back to the UK, many are yet trapped with no means to get home.

The Government has implemented steps such as specially chartered flights to enable get citizens home, however this may take time. For the timebeing, they have made a lot of suggestions regarding what those stuck in a foreign land must do.

If someone suffers or thinks they are infected by coronavirus

The Government authorities of both the region and nation in which the buyer is staying will give suggestion and guidance on what to do if somebody has, or thinks that they have, coronavirus. Moreover, the resident must seek medical assistance and self-isolate.

The NHS have compiled a guide on symptoms that are typically shown when somebody is suffering from 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 resides can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info 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 visa is coming to an end quickly

If a visa is coming to an end, the actions required will depend on the location that the UK citizen is located. If in doubt, look at the travel advice for that country from the UK foreign and commonwealth office. This guide can be found by visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Moreover, the local embassy or consulate can be used to contact the local authorities. For more info on embassies, or to locate the one in your vicinity, please contact 0207 008 1500, or alternatively 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 more information on going back home. They might delay or reimburse payment for the trip to home town.

Those people having travel insurance should get in touch with their provider because the insurance cover will be extended by 2 months if those travelling are making every effort to go back home. Those who can’t afford travel could even see if their credit card insurance applies.

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

It is essential to contact friends and family to make sure they are aware that everybody in the party is safe. If possible, they might transfer money to people stuck to pay for transport home.

Employment & perks / financial assistance

There is even the option for those trapped to contact their manager and ask for an advance of their wages to pay for travel home. The UK government can even provide monetary aid in some circumstances. More info can be read on www.gov.uk

If cash is over, or those stranded don’t have accommodation, or access to meals / water / medical supplies

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

If money runs out whilst stuck abroad, The UK Government can as well offer monetary help in certain situations. Additional details can be read on www.gov.uk.

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

If the citizen is trapped in a foreign land, they should ascertain that anybody they are a carer for is seen well. If somebody else is looking after 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 until they come back.

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

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

If they are working, they should keep in contact with their employer wherever possible to keep them updated about their condition.

If they are employed, 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.

Benefits or state pension whilst stuck in a foreign land

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

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

Any questions or doubts about benefit payments whilst abroad can be responed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who can be contacted by calling or checking out:

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