Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
I mean, do you really need to get this fixed before you leave the country? Either way, the passport shows you're a US citizen. You can always get it dealt with after your trip.
It could easily be the case that an airline security contractor or border control agent abroad could make a stink over this. Also, it could end up being noted by/for CBP and result in inhibited travel by air into the US.
This is the kind of thing I would want fixed ASAP, especially before using the passport outside of the US.