Reader Question: Our Passports Aren't Back Yet!

We applied for US passports for the whole family this summer but our passports still aren't here! We are booked for a trip to Aruba next month. What should we do? --Gina B., Burmingham, AL

Dear Gina:

You're in luck; American travelers can travel to the Caribbean through September 30 by showing proof that they're waiting for a passport. Go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html to print out a form that shows you're waiting (and waiting...)

You can also check the status of your passport application online. Processing times are taking much longer than usual so your wait isn't unusual right now, unfortunately. Travelers who are traveling within the next two weeks should contact the passport agencies for help; if you're traveling within the next seven days, contact the National Passport Agency directly via phone or email.