Quick passport processing

In the letter titled “Avoid Passport Glitches” (Aug. ’07, pg. 33), tour company owner Bob Parda provides important information about passports. I travel frequently and, due to the visa-page considerations he mentioned, have always requested a 48-page passport.

I recently sent in a renewal for my passport, which was to expire in November. I had included several notes requesting a 48-page passport instead of the standard 24-page. I even highlighted that request in yellow. Unfortunately, when my new passport arrived it was the standard 24-page issue. I immediately requested additional visa pages, as I feel it’s better to be prepared than not.

Other than this problem, my passport renewal was handled surprisingly fast. I had sent it in via Express Mail on July 9 and I received my new passport on the 16th. On July 15th I went online (http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html) to check the status of it and was shocked to see that it had been processed on the 13th and was being sent to me.

I’m not sure whether things have improved regarding the lengthy delays for processing passports or if I just lucked out.

JOHN HOHOL

Madison, WI