I found myself in a similar situation about 18 months ago. I used http://www.americanpassport.com and can highly recommend them. Bascially, you overnight them your existing passport and completed renewal form (download from their web site), and they get it processed in one day and overnight it back to you. So, you can get the whole thing done in 1-4 business days, depending on how much you pay. In my one experience with them, everything worked exactly as they described.

By the way, in addition to hand-carrying your renewal application to the passport office, one of the big benefits of using such a service is that they go over your application with the proverbial fine-tooth comb before submitting it, so there's little chance of it not being processed by the passport office. When you do it yourself, you always run the risk of not crossing a t, dotting an i, or answering some question incorrectly. In your case, you can't afford a delay.

Some airlines are starting to provide public access to the database that they use as a reference for such matters. Check out

http://www.continental.com/travel/tPassportReqs.asp

Although you're not traveling on CO, the data on this web page comes from IATA, which is a global organization representing most airlines.

I looked up your situation on this web site, assuming that you're a US citizen. It says:

My plain reading of the above is that US passport holders are only required to have 1 month's passport validity after the intended stay for NZ, as the US Embassy in NZ certainly can issue and renew US passports.

Also, keep in mind that with respect to immigration matters, "1 month" means exactly that. Specifically, it is not the same as 30 days, unless the month in question has exactly 30 days. Immigration authorities tend to be precise to a fault when it comes to these matters.

This is a start, but you would be wise to: a) verify this with the NZ Embassy or Consulate in the US, and b) verify that Qantas recognizes this as well. Even if it is true as far as NZ is concerned, if Qantas thinks "3 months validity" for everyone is the rule, then you're not getting on the flight. The fact that you may be correct in the end won't help you much if it takes a day to clear it up.

So, if I were in your situation, I'd pay for the express renewal. It's going to cost up to $150 (plus the regular $115 gov't fee for renewal that you're going to have to pay eventually anyway), but you will be ensured a hassle-free trip.

Regarding your layover at LAX, here are my recommendations:

- You are correct that you can not through-check your bags in PHX, as Southwest does not have interline baggage agreements with any other carrier. This is one way that they can reduce costs and offer you the $70 fare that you got. You'll need to claim your baggage at LAX and re-check it.

- Generally speaking, check-in counters open at the Bradley terminal at LAX 3 hours before departure time. If Qantas has other flights that depart earlier in the day, you may be able to check your baggage at the counter that's processing an earlier flight. If that's the case, I'd recommend checking your bags as soon as possible. If not, keep in mind that there's generally already quite a line for international flights at the 3-hour window, so you need to get there early if you plan to do something between check-in and boarding the flight.

- As far as going between terminals at LAX, don't bother with the shuttle. Rent a SmarteCarte for your baggage for $2 or $3 or whatever it is and walk. It may be a 15-minute walk, but unless you're mobility-impaired, it should be no problem at all. Find an elevator to get from the lower level to the upper level.

- Regarding what to do, I second the recommendation of visiting the Encounter bar/restaurant. Follow the link that AAgoraku posted above and I'm sure you'll instantly recognize this classic building from TV and the movies. It definately has a George Jetson motif, both inside and out. If you can check your bags right away, I might head over to Encounter for not just a drink but a meal. Of course it's a bit pricy because of the location, but the food is actually quite good. If not, at least go for a drink or two.

- With the amount of time you have, I would not recommend venturing too far from the airport, and certainly not use public transportation to go into downtown. You never know what will happen on the freeway as far as traffic goes. If it were me, I'd stay at the airport, or at the most take the suggestion to take a taxi to In 'n Out Burger. Be forwarned: you will make yourself an enemy with the taxi driver. They are expecting a fare to downtown or some other distant location and have likely waited an hour or so in the taxi line - tip generously and buy them lunch.

- If you're into people-watching, LAX is my favorite airport to do it. LAX has the highest number of international arrivals/departures of any US airport, and perhaps of any airport worldwide. There are people coming and going from every conceivable corner of the globe, and if you look carefully, you can see some very interesting characters. Walk around all of the various airlines' check-in counters in the Bradley terminal. You'll be surprised at how much luggage (many consisting of large boxes) that some people have. If you get lucky, you might even see a kitchen sink! Also, don't forget to go down to the arrival hall and see who's there.

- In the Bradley terminal, most of the good shopping and food/drink is located prior to security, unlike many other international airports. So, don't go through security too early and expect there to be a lot to do.

Have a great trip!

P.S. -

A US passport is valid up until the expiration date as far as the US government is concerned. As such, it's valid for use domestically until then. The "6 months validity" or "3 months validity" issues are requirements imposed by other governments.

In any event, although the airlines/travel agents can offer general information if asked, the airline's only duty as far as conforming to immigration law is to the various countries they serve and they have no duty to provide legal advice on immigration law to their passengers. It is solely the passenger's duty to know and comply with the immigration laws of the countries they plan to visit.

The problem facing any carrier is that these laws are complex and change often. The only authoritative source is the horse's mouth: that is, the other country's embassy or consulate. After getting the actual entry requirements, it's probably wise to check with the carrier to ensure that their understanding matches, especially if you're trying to invoke an exception to the rule.


P.P.S. - The issue of requiring 6 months' passport validity beyond the intended stay is a recognized problem, so much so that many countries entered into a treaty two or three years ago to reduce or eliminate this requirement. As countries sign on to the treaty, and as it gets implemented by the various immigration bureaus and airlines, this will become less of a problem over time. I suspect that five years from now, this will no longer be a problem between the major countries.

[This message has been edited by Steve M (edited 02-25-2003).]