Hi Everyone,
thought I'd add my in - process application:
Applied in person (minor child) for an expedited passport renewal on 5/20. Was told by the friendly and seemingly very knowledgeable P.O. person not to worry, that things were speeding up and that we would get it back in time for our travel 6/28. We were not offered the option to pay for the express return shipping and did not think to ask for it at the time - which is now annoying me to no end, since we've always paid for that in previous appointments. Also did not get a tracking number.
5/28: check dropped, and this is the date the system claims they got the passport.
6/21: called the state department line, after three hours on hold was told that it was 4-6 weeks processing from when they receive it, and that most applications were now taking the full 6 weeks. Husband swears that at the time we filled out the form, it said 4-6 weeks overall processing. Was also told that in San Francisco, which is our closest agency, there are 17 appointments per day (did she say 70? I had a fairly poor connection), so basically, no chance to get one of those. Like other posters here said, she also told me that appointment slots become available 10 days out. She reminded me of all the holidays that were also adding time to the clock. I asked her about leaving on a different passport (we also have EU passports). She said we wouldn't have the exit stamp that we needed to get back in and there would be no record of us leaving, so she said she wouldn't risk it. But if we have the passport by then, which we should (returning August 1st), I am not worried about her being let in. But I am worried about being allowed to board with the German passport only when we leave the US.
Anyhow. Contacted our local congressperson yesterday afternoon, hopefully we'll hear something. Spoke to a friend, who did the same thing (passport application for a child) in a different state, just a week before we did, and they got theirs back 4 weeks to the day they applied, which makes me hopeful that things might move soon.
Sending good vibes to all who are waiting!