And everyone in the know would again recommend just NOT ding it that way and instead just do it when abroad.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

A quick update on my experiences with this effort. I was the first American citizen to arrive at the embassy in Copenhagen this morning inside right at 9am and out the door by 9:10am. Sadly, however, they were not able to process the passport immediately for me. They offered it for Monday afternoon pickup (tomorrow is an observed holiday). I pressed him and got an offer of maybe by 3pm today but since I'm headed out to Helsingor that won't work. Instead I'm left with only my 2 blank pages and another disappointing experience in my efforts to expand my passport. :(



http://www.wanderingaramean.com/2009...o-grow-my.html

Sorry to hear that. Did they explain why they couldn't take care of it immediately?

Like I said upthread, it only took me 15 minutes in SYD.

They were "understaffed because of the holiday." I wanted to call BS on the guy but I was not about to get into a fight and have to deal with the consular security service. :eek:

At the end of the day they get to decide the rules and I lost. I'm sure I'll win again some other time so I'm not too worried in the long run.

Need help with questions and hopefully some advice --

DH mailed in passport (non-expedited 2 1/2 weeks ago). His travel date is 10 days out now. When he mailed it, it was a month out. The online system currently shows "in process".

Website said "if you're traveling within two weeks, call them". We did that and it was no help. They said it is "in process" :rolleyes: They know nothing further.... They offered to take an extra $60 for the expedite fee but stated that it guarantees nothing :(

Does anyone know what the current processing time really is? I suspected a month would be plenty....but not so sure now....

What would be the best options at this point:

Thanks :):):)

Another lesson in why no one should EVER EVER do it this way and instead get it done when abroad.

Or in person. Letting it out of your possession is where the potential for trouble comes into play.

:confused: I wasn't aware people renewed their passports abroad.... If that is what you mean, I will keep it in mind in 10 years when this one expires...

In the meantime, should we pay the expedite fee over the phone or go down to L.A. in person?

Thanks.

PS: I renewed my passport the 'old fashioned way' without an expedite fee about 8 months ago and it was definitely less than three weeks.

The thread was/is about adding pages to a passport, not renewing it.

FWIW, paying the $60 expedite fee and Express Mail fee over the phone, after mailing it in without requesting expedite service, does in fact kick them into high gear and get you immediate action.

If I mailed it 2 1/2 weeks ago and was traveling in 10 days I would still wait and let it get down to like 4 days before I panicked and paid the $60.