As much as it sucks, I would recommend going to a passport office. I live close enough to one (2 hours) that I did this, and you could do it same day without issues. Even if you have to commute in and out same day, from the above, you can see that you will save $300+. You just need an appointment (see travel.state.gov for details) and an e-mail or letter from someone at your airline stating why you need same day service. I arrived at the passport office @ 8:30, and had my passport by 11:15. Hope this helps.