Q: What if I cannot attend the incentive trip this year?

A: We hope you make every effort to join us this year, but if you are unable to attend, you will receive a payment for $5,000. Payment will be issued following the completion of the incentive trip dates via payroll deposit. 

Q: What if I can only attend part of the trip but not all of it due to a previous commitment? 

A: If you need to depart early or arrive late to the trip, we are happy to accommodate your request. Every effort will be made to provide as many of the trip inclusions as possible. Regrettably, we cannot give any credits or offer variations to the daily trip itinerary. 

Q: How do I submit changes to a registration form already processed? 

A: Once your registration is complete, you can contact the Alcon Events Team via phone at +1 (972) 661-6435 or  traveldesk@surgicalmastersclub.com  to submit changes.  

Q: What is the attire for the trip? Please refer to the Itinerary page for the appropriate attire for each group function. 

Casual: Informal and comfortable clothing. It is recommended to bring walking shoes and dress in layers. There is always the possibility of rain, so remember to bring a light raincoat. 

Smart Casual: Combines well-fitting, polished wear with elements of casual attire. Examples include dark-wash jeans, dress pants, blouses, polo shirts, button-downs, and polished, practical footwear. 

Cocktail: For men, a suit, button-down shirt, and tie are recommended, along with dressy loafers or oxfords. For women, a cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit with nice flats or heels is recommended. 

Black Tie: For men, a suit or tuxedo along with formal dress shoes is required. For the ladies, a full-length or tea-length dress and elevated flats or heels are required. 

• Note for Ladies: Prague’s charming cobblestone streets can be tricky in high heels. We recommend packing a pair of comfortable flats for walking to and from the venue or exploring the city. 

Q: What is included in this program? 

A: Your Alcon President's Club trip includes:  

• Round-trip airfare and checked baggage fees for you and one (1) guest. 

• Hotel accommodations (one sleeping room), all taxes, housekeeping gratuities, and porterage at the Four Seasons Hotel Prague for the trip dates of Saturday, April 25 – Friday, May 1, 2026. 

• Three (3) hosted activities per person for you and one (1) guest  offered between Saturday, April 25 – Friday, May 1, 2026. 

• All planned group functions as noted on the daily itinerary. 

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner per person each day of the trip are provided via either a master bill, pre-paid meal allowance, or group function.  

• All taxes and gratuities for hosted trip events. 

• Ground transportation for all arrival and departure dates, as long as you are staying at the Four Seasons Prague

• Ground transportation to and from your home airport; this may be expensed on your Alcon T&E card. 

• Parking costs for airport parking in your home city; this may be expensed on your Alcon T&E card. 

• Airport meals on arrival and departure days may be expensed on your Alcon T&E card. Alcon T&E travel guidelines apply just like for regular business travel. 

Q: What is not included in this trip? 

A: You will be responsible for the following items NOT included with the Alcon Masters Club trip: 

• Upgraded airline tickets  

• Car rentals. You may arrange for a rental car at your own expense.  

• Additional activities over and above the three (3) hosted activities per person offered as part of the trip.  

• Incidentals and all personal expenditures, such as laundry service, telephone usage, minibar, hotel retail shop purchases, movie rentals, spa treatments (other than those arranged as one of your hosted activities), and beauty salon visits. A personal credit card will be required at the time of check-in for any incidental charges. 

• Food and beverages not included in group activities/events. 

• If your guest is traveling on their own and/or from a separate airport, additional fees incurred for baggage, transportation, and/or parking will NOT be reimbursed by Alcon. 

• Hotel extensions of the trip either before or after the incentive trip dates. 

Q: Who do I contact about travel-related questions? 

A: All travel-related questions or issues should be directed to the Alcon Events Team listed under Contact Us at the bottom of each page. 

Q: When will I receive my travel documents? 

A: The Alcon Events Team will mail the final travel documents to the address you list in your registration form about two weeks before the trip. If you change addresses after registration, please notify the Alcon Events Team immediately to ensure delivery. 

Q: Do I need a passport to get to Prague? 

A: Yes, U.S. Citizens will be required to present a valid passport to fly to Prague.

Q: How do I get/renew my passport? 

A: U.S. Citizens: You must have a valid passport for your trip. The name on your passport must exactly match the name on your airline ticket. 

If you do not have a valid passport, please apply for one. Alcon partners with CIBT to help expedite the process. To get started, click on the following link: How to Expedite Passports | CIBTvisas Expedited Passport Solutions. 

Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website for additional information regarding the application process. You may contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) toll-free at +1 (877) 487-2778 (TDD: +1 (888) 874-7793). Processing time is currently 8 – 11 weeks or 5 – 7 weeks with an expedited application through CIBT, so do not delay. 

Please use the Alcon winner's corporate T&E card for any passport fees and indicate in Concur that the expense is related to the Alcon President's Club trip. Let your manager know Alcon covers this expense, and it is okay to expense this fee for you and your guest. 

Q: Are any additional documents needed to travel to Prague? 

A: Possibly, If your travel route to Prague includes a stop or layover in the United Kingdom, you will need to apply for a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before your trip. This is a new entry requirement for U.S. passport holders and other visa-exempt nationals traveling to or through the UK. 

The UK ETA is not a visa, but it is mandatory for anyone transiting through the UK, even if you’re only passing through the airport for a short connection. The process is simple and done online. You’ll need a valid passport, an email address, a photo of yourself, and a payment method. The ETA costs £10 (approximately $13 USD) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. 

Alcon will cover or reimburse you for this cost. Please retain your payment receipt for reimbursement purposes. 

Important: Without an approved ETA, you may be denied boarding for flights transiting through the UK. 

We strongly recommend applying as soon as your travel plans are confirmed. You can apply on the official UK government website at www.gov.uk/get-eta. 

Q: Are there any baggage limitations for the airlines? 

A: There is no longer a standard set of rules that apply to all airlines' baggage limitations. The airlines are imposing a fee for luggage exceeding their weight limits. For most airlines, this is 50 pounds for checked luggage and 40 pounds for carry-on bags. Please check with your carrier for luggage allowance and restrictions before departing for the airport. Fees will apply to excess checked and/or carry-on bags.  

The airlines have a per-person limit for carry-on bags of one personal item and one carry-on bag. Personal items are identified as one of the following: a purse, briefcase, small backpack, or laptop computer. Passengers exceeding the carry-on limit may not be allowed through the security checkpoint.  

Q: Will Alcon reimburse me for baggage fees? 

A: Expense reimbursement guidelines for travel to the incentive trip are the same as when traveling on regular company business. Use your Alcon T&E card for these expenses.  

If your guest is traveling on their own/or from a separate airport, Alcon will NOT reimburse additional fees for baggage, transportation, and/or parking. 

Q: What is an e-ticket? 

A: It is a confirmation of your airline travel; the airlines are no longer issuing paper tickets. You will still need a passport to check in and receive your boarding pass from your airline. The name on your ticket MUST be exactly the same as the name on your passport.

Q: Can I upgrade my flight using frequent flyer miles or coupons? 

A: Yes; however, any deviations or upgrade charges with your ticket will be at your own expense. All frequent flyer requests for upgrades need to be personally handled by the respective airlines. 

Q: Who may I bring as my guest? 

A: You are allowed to bring one (1) guest to share in your celebration. This guest is defined as your spouse, domestic partner, family member, or friend, who is at least 21 years of age. Please note that you are not allowed to invite another Alcon employee as your guest unless they are your spouse, domestic partner, or you are engaged to be married. 

Q: May I bring additional guests or children under the age of 21? 

A: No. Additional guests or children under the age of 21 are not allowed to attend. 

Q: What if I need to change my guest? 

A: Please contact the Alcon Events Team as soon as possible at +1 (972) 661-6435 or traveldesk@surgicalmastersclub.com. If you change your guest after you have registered, any additional charges or airline change fees will be at your own expense. 

Q: Can I extend my stay at the hotel before or after the program?

A: Yes; however, any additional expenses incurred as a result of an extended stay will be at your own expense. For additional details, please contact the Alcon Events Team (see Contact Us at the bottom of the page). 

Q: What hotel accommodations will be provided? 

A: Winners are entitled to one room, (1) King or two Queens room, at the Four Seasons Hotel Prague (to be shared with a guest) for the official trip dates of Saturday, April 25 – Friday, May 1, 2026. Maximum occupancy per room is two (2) adults. Every effort will be made to accommodate any special hotel requests; however, actual hotel room assignments are dependent upon availability and arrival/departure schedules. 

Q: If I extend my stay, will airport transportation be provided?

A: Yes, transportation will be arranged for your arrival and departure based on your flight itinerary as long as you are staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Prague. If you are pre- or post-extending locally at another property, please reach out to the Alcon Events Team to arrange your transportation. If previous arrangements are not made, you will be responsible for your own transportation to/from the Four Seasons Hotel Prague and your extension property. 

Q: How far is the Four Seasons Hotel Prague from the Vaclav Havel Airport Prague?  

A: The hotel is approximately 20 minutes from the Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG).  

Q: What currency/payment method is accepted in Prague?  

A: The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. While many tourist areas accept cards, it's good to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller establishments, markets, and public transport. 

Q: Is it customary to tip in Prague?  

A: Tipping is customary in the Czech Republic, though not as high as in the US. At restaurants, it’s common to round up to the nearest 10 CZK or add about 10–15% for good service. In bars, simply rounding up a few korunas is sufficient. When paying, tell your server the total amount you’d like charged rather than leaving cash on the table. 

Q: What is the best form of transportation in Prague?  

A: The best way to get around Prague is by using its excellent public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and the metro. Tickets can be purchased at machines, kiosks, or through a mobile app, but be sure to buy them before boarding and validate them as soon as you start your journey. 

Q: Is there anything we should be aware of when exploring Prague?  

A: Like in many large cities, it’s best to stay alert around major attractions such as Old Town Square and Charles Bridge, where tourist traps are common. Avoid currency exchange booths in tourist areas, as they usually offer poor rates. Be cautious of restaurants with English-only menus right on the main squares, as prices are often inflated. And when using taxis, make sure the driver uses the meter to avoid being overcharged. 

Q: What is the local language?  

A: Czech is the local language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic phrases like "děkuji" (thank you) and "prosím" (please/you're welcome) is appreciated. 

Q: Is beer popular in Prague?  

A: Yes! Prague is famous for its beer culture, offering some of the world’s best brews at surprisingly low prices, often even cheaper than water. When ordering, specify if you would like a half liter (půl) or a smaller size. In many pubs, servers will continue bringing refills automatically, so place your coaster or napkin on top of your glass to signal that you are finished.