Just about to book my holiday for the end of July and realised I need to renew my passport. Should I book and risk it?

[PangoDilloDog]

I'm usually pretty risk averse but if the standard turnaround is 3 weeks. It'll be fine. Is there any way I can find out if there are delays?

Mine took 3 weeks from the day I applied.

That is really helpful @OhBotherSaidPoo. Says 14 days. I'll be fine...

I renewed my passport 2-3 months ago. I submitted the application on 18 March, sent my documents the next day, application approved on 31st March and passport printed on 1 April.

Thing is if there are any hiccups you really don't have much time to spare.

If I was you I think I'd book the holiday now and do the 1 week fast track but make sure the application is faultless

How recently was that @SaraHoliday?

I know its currently peak season.

March x

March x

It was Royal Mail where the delay happened.

Thanks @TurquoiseYeti it seems I'm an idealist. Of course, there might be hiccups.

Just done my son’s (well it’s due to arrive tomorrow) and it has taken just under 3 weeks.

So much is out of our control @SaraHoliday. Still, 3 weeks is the standard turnaround, apparently.

We fly in 2 weeks so I was cutting it fine!

Just pay the extra for the 1 week turnaround service online.

Of course you can book a flight without a passport number. It isn't required until you check in.

you normally add passport number just before you depart, when you check in. Can add it before but don’t need to

I have always had to do this...sorry if wrong advice. Still wouldn't book anything until I have my passport.

Eeek! @BravasPatatas were you panicking?

Not really TBH, I trusted the 3 week turnaround time! I did wish I’d paid for the 1 week fast track though. We left it so late because DS is profoundly autistic and it took us a month to get a photo that passed the checks 😭.
Now just to pray it actually arrives tomorrow 😁

I'm sure it will arrive tomorrow and I hope you have a lovely holiday @BravasPatatas

Can you go to a passport office in person and do it that way

Just so you know for future reference, if the person the passport is for has disabilities that means they can’t sign or that they can’t pass the “regular” photo standards you can add letters to the application. My nephew has autism and I know SIL did this. I’m sure the info is online (and now you don’t need it for a while!) but thought I’d mention it.

Did mine 3 weeks ago online. Took less than a week

DH and I both renewed ours within the last few weeks; we posted our old passports the day after applying and they both came within ten days.

I’d wait personally
there is always holidays to be had but if you pay and don’t have a passport they won’t refund you - you can get urgent appointments sometimes in Peterborough and other places - they cost more
but you’d get the passport on the day

You say you plan to delay booking until you have the passport, rather than pay for fast track. I think the difference in price is £90. Just make sure you don't stand to lose more than that in price increases from booking closer to the departure date.

This. Get the renewal first. Every hotel in Europe requsts your passport details.

I have used a phone camera for a photo for several passport applications. You dont need a 3rd party or a code to do it