Passport Woes

So, we just got word today that our passport application has been approved and that our new passport is (allegedly) in the mail. We’ve been sitting here sweating bullets for the past two weeks wondering when or if we were ever going to receive our passport. You hear so many horror stories these days about screwed up travel plans and missed trips because of the severe delay in passport processing. We practically have to pop a Klonopin every time we see a news report about the chaotic state of the US passport agency.

When we went to the post office on Sutter Street again, this time with all the correct paperwork, we decided we would avoid any chance of passport mishap by opting for the very expensive expedited service. Be prepared, because they will whole-heartedly assure you that your passport will arrive between two and three weeks and no later than three weeks. Now, we really tried to break down the agent on this point.

Us:Are you sure it will arrive in three weeks? Are you positive? Have there been any delays with the expedited service?

Her: Yes. Yes. No.

Our passport is scheduled to arrive by Friday. That will be 5 weeks and 3 days since we submitted our application. Thank God we had the foresight to cushion the waiting period with a couple extra weeks before our much-anticipated trip to the Czech Republic.

What we want to know is, what did we pay an extra $60 for? Has anyone out there actually missed a trip or had to reschedule one due to the current passport chaos? Please share.

By Deborah