Frequently Asked Questions
  • Airport check-in and boarding
    • To avoid being denied check-in or boarding:
      • You and your luggage must be checked in with the airline at least 60 minutes prior to flight departure. You may be able to check-in online and prepay baggage fees; visit your airline’s website for information.
      • You must be at the gate at least 45 minutes prior to departure.
      • We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours prior to flight departure to allow for long lines and delays.
      • If you have an early morning departure, contact your airport to determine when the ticket counter will be staffed.
    • Airline websites and travel apps are useful for checking flight status and receiving notifications.
    • The mobile web app will include your flight information and confirmation number to use as a reference at check-in.
    • Visit the TSA website at tsa.gov for more information.
  • Carry-on luggage allowance
    • Many international carriers have weight restrictions. Please check the airline's website directly for specific information.
      • One carry-on bag is permitted per person, plus a personal item (laptop, purse, camera bag, etc.) The bag may not exceed 45 linear inches (9” x 14” x 22”) and must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.
        • Carry some toiletries, a change of clothes, and a swimsuit (if applicable), should your luggage be delayed.
        • Prescription drugs, in their original containers, should also be in your carry-on luggage.
        • Be sure to carry your valuables on you or in your carry-on bag.
      • Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes are limited to travel-size (3.4 oz. or less, each) and must fit comfortably in ONE quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag. For more details visit TSA webpage.
      • The TSA requires that your luggage be unlocked, or you may use TSA-approved locks, which are available where travel-oriented goods are sold.
      • For more information, visit the TSA website at tsa.gov and your airline’s website.
    • Executive Club - Carry-on luggage allowance
      • In addition to the above guidelines, the flight to Hamilton Island has different weight restrictions.
      • 1 overhead bag, 1 under seat bag, and 1 personal item per person, up to a combined 14 kg (30.75 lbs) with no item greater than 10 kg (22 lbs).
      • Overhead bag (ex: small wheelie bag):
        • Cannot exceed 56 cm height x 36 cm width x 23 cm depth (22 in height x 14 in width x 9 in depth).
        • Maximum weight is 22 lbs.
      • Under seat bag (ex: duffle bag, backpack, large handbag):
        • Cannot exceed 34 cm height x 48 cm width x 23 cm depth (13.25 in height x 18.75 in width x 9 in depth).
        • Maximum weight is 22 lbs.
        • An alternative option would be a non-rigid garment bag, not to exceed 114 cm height x 60 cm width x 11 cm depth (44.75 in height x 23.5 in width x 4.25 in depth).
      • 1 personal item (ex: crossbody bag, small handbag, slim laptop bag):
        • Laptops carried in large laptop bags will be counted as part of your carry-on baggage allowance.
  • Executive Club - Checked luggage
    • For the flight to Hamilton Island 1 bag per person, up to 23 kg (50 lbs) and not to exceed total dimensions of 140 cm (55 in) combined.
    • If you pack more than the included allowance, you will need to purchase extra baggage upon airport arrival. 
    • No single bag may exceed 50 lbs.
  • Executive Club - Luggage storage
    • You will have the opportunity to leave some of your luggage in Sydney, stored safely at the InterContinental, while enjoying Hayman Island.
    • For those wishing to avoid check-in lines for both Sydney to Hamilton Island and for Hamilton Island to Sydney flights, we recommend you leave all checked luggage and only bring carry-ons.
    • If you have not already done so, please email FarmBureauTravel@proghq.com with the total number of bags you and your guest plant to store.
  • Checked luggage fees
    Luggage fees vary by airline and frequent flyer status. Contact your scheduled airline for up-to-date information.
    • All luggage fees incurred will be at your own expense at airport check-in.
  • Check on-time departures
    Be sure to call or check the airline website (phone numbers and websites listed below) or use the airline’s mobile app before leaving for the airport to verify that your flight is on time.
  • Documentation needed to travel
    • All passengers must present a passport that is valid at the time of entry, however, we recommend 6 months validity beyond your return travel date.
    • All passengers are required to submit an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) application via the ETA app. Both Executive Club and All American guests should use the InterContinental Sydney address when applying.  
    • All passenger names (first, middle and last names) on airline tickets / e-tickets must match passport exactly or the airlines will deny boarding.
    • Any changes after ticketing may result in additional fees and penalties.
    • Non-U.S. citizens should contact their consulate to determine the necessary documentation.
    • Travel with photocopies of your travel documents and passport in case the originals are lost or stolen.
    • Entry into any foreign country can be denied if you have a criminal background. Please check with the country’s consulate or embassy.
  • Flight delays
    Once you check-in, the reservation is in the hands of the airline. If your travel is interrupted or cancelled while you are at the airport, please get in line at a ticket counter or service desk. Once your new flights are booked, please inform Coburn Supply Travel Headquarters of the new flight information. While in line, if you'd like assistance with possible flight options or other support, call Coburn Supply Travel Headquarters at +1 231-421-7221. If you call outside of business hours, an option is provided to be forwarded to one of the Air Specialists for assistance.
    • Most of the outbound flights will have a flight host who will coordinate with the airline and Farm Bureau Travel Headquarters. Please seek them out in case of a delay or cancellation. 
  • Luggage identification
    Securely attach the Farm Bureau luggage tags you received in the mail to each piece of luggage you are checking. We also recommend enclosing within your luggage a business card as this may help the airline identify your bag if the outer tag is detached in transit. Lost or damaged luggage is the sole responsibility of the airline.
  • Attire guidelines: what to pack
    • Comfortable travel clothes: Casual, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable walking shoes. You may want to bring an additional layer, such as a sweatshirt, with you on the plane.
    • Beach / pool attire: Swimsuits with cover-ups, and sandals or flip-flops. Beach attire is not permitted in restaurants or resort public areas.
    • Smart casual attire: Casual slacks, jeans, or dress shorts with a button-down or polo-type shirt for men; dress, skirt, dress shorts or jeans/pants with a coordinating top for women. A lightweight sweater or jacket is suggested for the cooler outdoor evening temperatures.
    • Tour casual attire: Jeans or shorts with a comfortable shirt and walking shoes.
  • Australian Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
    Australia's Tourist Refund Scheme allows departing travelers to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods purchased in Australia. To be eligible, purchases must total A$300 or more from a single business and be made within 60 days of departure. Download the free TRS app in advance, and after clearing passport control, visit the TRS facility at the airport with your passport, boarding pass, purchased goods, and original tax invoices. 
  • Credit cards / currency
    Major credit cards (Visa/MasterCard/American Express) are accepted in most shops and restaurants. Make sure your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after you return home and activate them before you travel. Some places may require a minimum charge and others may not accept certain cards, so it’s best to bring more than one.  
    • If you have not traveled recently, you may want to contact your credit card company and advise them that you will be traveling to Australia. Credit card companies may put a hold on a card showing activity that does not follow your usual profile.
    • The Australian Dollar is Australia's official currency and U.S. Dollars are generally not accepted by vendors. Exchange rates fluctuate daily; click here to find current rates.
  • Destination tips
    • Have the hotel phone number and address with you when you leave to explore the area.
    • Bring photocopies of your ATM and credit cards. In case of loss, replacement will be easier.
    • Leave passports and travel documents in your room safe. Only carry a copy of your passport with you.
  • Drinking water
    The hotel purifies all its water; however, a change in drinking water anywhere in the world can cause stomach distress. We recommend drinking bottled water when you travel.
  • Electricity
    In the U.S., we use electricity rated at 120V and 60Hz and use plug Types A and B. In Australia, the electricity is 230V and 50Hz and they use plug Type I. To determine if you need a power adapter or a power converter, look at the power information on your device. If there is an input range, and the range includes up to 230V and down to 50Hz, you only need an adapter. If your device shows a single voltage (like most hairdryers and curling irons), then you will need a converter.
  • Expenses
    Personal items such as room incidentals, laundry, souvenirs, food and beverage outside the planned functions, additional activities, spa treatments, concessions at the hotel, pay-per-view movies, mini-bar items, and transportation outside of the hotel will be at your own expense.
  • Gratuities and taxes
    Tips and taxes for all services outlined in the itinerary have been prepaid for you. Unlike in the U.S., tipping is not expected or required in Australia, as service staff receive a standard wage. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small gratuity of 10% is always appreciated.
  • Health insurance
    Check with your health insurance provider to make sure they cover medical expenses in Australia. Any treatments received while traveling must be paid for at the time of treatment and filed with your insurance company when you return home.
    • Farm Bureau has purchased each qualifier and guest a Travelex Travel Policy. This does not offer trip cancellation coverage, but it can provide reimbursement for emergency medical and dental treatment, out-of-pocket expenses due to travel delay or interruption, baggage delay/loss expenses and more. To make a claim, email Zurich Travel Claims Administration at support@zurichtravelclaims.com or call 800-501-4781 (7:30 am - 7 pm CST, Mon - Fri), and reference your confirmation of coverage, which contains the plan information needed to start the process.*
      • *The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. For plan and coverage questions, please contact Travelex at 1-888-574-7026 or email at 360group@travelexinsurance.com and reference location number 22-0339. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.
  • Hosted events
    • Executive Club:
      • Pool Party & Early Dinner on April 14
      • Farewell Reception & Dinner on April 16
    • All American:
      • Welcome Dinner on April 17
      • Farewell Reception & Dinner on April 21
  • Medical information
    Please advise Farm Bureau Travel Headquarters of any medical conditions that may require special attention or treatment, if not already noted in your registration. Bring a copy of any prescriptions you are taking and pack your prescription medicine in your carry-on luggage. We suggest you bring an extra supply in case of an unforeseen emergency. Do not pack medication in your checked luggage.
  • Name badges
    Please wear your name badge upon arriving in Australia to identify yourself to travel staff, hotel personnel, and your travel companions. Before leaving your room, make sure that you have your name badge. Farm Bureau requires that name badges are worn at all of their hosted functions.
  • Special dietary requests
    We are happy to help you with special menu requests (i.e. vegetarian meals, etc.) and any other special needs. Please contact Farm Bureau Travel Headquarters via email at FarmBureauTravel@proghq.com if you did not note your request during registration.
  • Time comparison
    Both Hayman Island and Sydney operate on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and neither observes Daylight Saving Time during our program. In April, when it is 12 pm in Australia, it is 10 pm the previous evening in Detroit.
  • Tours & activities
    • Executive Club: If you did not submit a request prior to arrival or would like to add additional experiences, view the available options here, then email your request directly to Hayman.Concierge@ihg.com and reference Farm Bureau.
    • All American: Additional activities can be purchased at any time during your stay. Simply stop by the Farm Bureau Hospitality Desk to check for availability on existing optional tours, or browse and book independently through Viator or Get Your Guide.
  • U.S. Customs and Immigration
    You will pass through Customs in the first U.S. city upon your return. You are allowed duty-free purchases of $800 per person. Be sure to keep receipts for all purchases. Articles purchased at a duty-free shop are only duty free for the country in which they are purchased, are subject to U.S. Customs duty, and should be included in your list of purchases. We recommend you pack your purchases in your carry-on for easy inspection on your return trip home.
  • Your Farm Bureau Travel Headquarters travel staff
    • Patty Armstrong
    • Dan Conway
    • Bobby Doll
    • Michelle Elliott
    • Judi Froehlich
    • Robert Kroezen
    • Maria Ricciardi