..........of having to wait for a passport. ?
First of all, any one posting on these sites ( 'Frequent Flyer' and such ) should know when their passport will expire. I mean they look at it at least once when flying, and "frequent" at that.
So, why do they wait until the last moment to apply ?
Even years ago, when a passport renewal took about 2/3 weeks, I always applied for the renewal about six months out.
Just don't blame the agency for being slow or understaffed.
Any 'Newcomers' to international travel surely make travel plans for such an undertaking at least six months ahead of scheduled trip. They are the ones most likely applying on time and getting the document on time.
So, all you complainers, compare this issue with road/car travel through the sticks of Kansas, leaving a town late at night, knowing the next town is at least 80 miles away, does not have a filling station, at least not open at night, and you forgot to get gas at your departing town before they closed at 6:00 PM.
Even the few in dire need of travel because of an emergency can not make up the bulk of affected not getting their passport in time and therefore making National News Headlines.
Enlighten me.
As always: I stand corrected.