The process is complete - here is the breakdown:
1. "Expedited" passport renewal: 10 days from FDX Kinko's in Mobile, ending up at MD11 training office in MEM.
2. China and India visas: 15 days from/to MD11 training.
I am skipping France for now - I'll go to ATL next month.
I flew a few domestic flights while it was gone - you must contact the duty officer and he/she must write you a letter to carry waiving the passport requirement. Don't wait until the last minute to do this - they may be busy.
They've got some great people working passports/visas over there in the Taj Mahal. One of the few offices at FDX that doesn't leave their voicemail on all the time.....