Originally Posted by maxt775

9/9 - applied for new passport at post office in Houston, replacing a lost one, normal/slow service available only but I paid the extra for 1-2 biz day return shipping. FWIW, on the passport application I stated that I had upcoming travel on 10/7
9/11- received 'in process' email
9/29 - starting to worry, called the passport 1-800 number to ask about status; they took my credit card number for $60 to expedite it (they said I would only get charged *if* it was returned within the next 20 biz days, they were very clear that there was no guarantee)
10/2 - received 'shipped' email with a UPS next day air tracking number
10/5 - passport received (1 biz day after 10/2)
10/7 - travel