How much does a passport cost right now? I looked on the passport website and couldn't find any cost info. I did see however that it takes about 12 weeks to get one.

 

Info here:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/fees/fees_837.html

There might be additional local fees for pictures and processing through the post office or other agency. I'd also expect it to take the full 12 weeks and possibly longer due to backlogs of applications. Of course you also have the option of using a passport expeditor company that will rush the process, but it can cost quite a bit extra.

 

I submitted one the first week of April with normal processing. I'm still waiting. I'd definately spend the cash for expedited processing. They aren't bumping them up once they are in the system unless you can prove you have travel planned outside of the country(i.e. airline tickets booked).

 

96 bucks plus 60 for it to be expedited. Wow. Any idea if a regional will hire you if you have at least sent in the application for one? Or do you have to have the actual passport in hand when you interview? I don't have any interviews lined up at the moment but this would be nice to know.

 

I paid a total of 200 and got mine in less than 2 weeks.

 

Depends on the regional. I was hired by RAH with just an application. I'm supposed to have it prior to training. I didn't think that was going to be a problem. Looks like it might become one.

 

I got mine in mid May with expedited shipping and processing after about 2.5 weeks. Cost somewhere around $200

 

All regionals that I have heard about will accept the reciept showing that you have applied. As long as you have that they know that you'll have your passport before you finish training.

 

FWIW...

For those of you who need a US Passport renewed. DO NOT USE standard processing! Pay the extra for the expedited processing. My passport took almost 17 weeks to come back (I missed a sweet Europe trip due to this )

I've heard things are improving but I wouldn't take the chance!

Treetop

 

I just renewed mine last month. Paid the expedited rate plus sent along a self-addressed pre-paid express mail return envelope, then sent the whole package outbound by express mail. Also included a little note about being a professional pilot that does frequent Int'l flights. Not sure if the last part really helped, but I got my new passport in about a week and a half. All this was recommended by the lady that handles the passport applications at my local post office.

I was being a little whiny about the fact that I had to relinquish my current passport in order to renew, yet I could be asked to cross the border at any time by my company. She took pity on me and held my hand through the whole process. She even wrote the little note. It pays to live in a small town.

Whole thing cost about $145, if I recall.