Desperate help - passport expired, travel on Wednesday

[Nowanextraone]

I feel sick. I don't understand how we have overlooked this as we renewed 2 of our other children's passports, but we've just seen our daughter's passport expired in January.

We are fucked aren't we? It says a child's passport can only be renewed urgently in a week.
I feel sick

Insurance won't even pay will it as it's our fault.

As if 7 days is going to make any difference if one of the parents wanted to take the kids against the wishes of the other parent.
Surely if both parents consent to the passport being renewed then there should be no issues.
Why is there barriers to everything that is meant to be simple and straightforward?!

Fingers and toes crossed for you, OP! I'm sorry 2024 has been crapping on you. This oversight could have happened to anyone (especially someone dealing with so much stress/grief). It's so lovely of you that you're trying to protect your daughter from what's going on.

because to expedite everything costs money

Absolutely and categorically not true. If you're prepared to stand in line you can. I was at Victoria PO only last summer and there was a line for non-appointment people, but they were amazingly efficient and people were being seen really quickly.

The staff were also incredibly empathetic and went out of their way to help me sort out a renewal for DS. Totally my fault and I'll admit I cried. The passport was back in two days.

The best way to salvage this situation is for one parent to stay behind with 9 year old, all the rest go, you and 9 year old join them when the passport arrives, I am sure the price of last minute flights may outweigh the loss of the entire holiday as a whole and the additional extra replacement holiday. That is how I would play it, it is difficult as I do not know where you are going.

You've had a shit year. Miracles happen and I'm hoping you get one and the passport it delivered Wednesday morning for you x

OP- how long is the holiday and where is it ? Just curious

Off course it would. Who said it wouldn’t?!
A premium service like this should be available for the occasions of emergencies at a premium cost. At the mo you can’t get one no matter what the situation is.

I just wanted to say if the goodwill of mumsnet could get you a passport we would. I’ve got everything crossed for you. I really hope it arrives. Please make sure you go to the appointment as you really never know, we’re all on your shoulder x

I had a first passport turned around in 10 days and delivered yesterday. If it's a priority application, you might just get lucky.

I wouldn't write it off till you have explored other options.

I once had to miss a flight, on the day I rang the airline and explained situation and they booked me on next one (from a different airport) for next day, I had to pay, but no where near full ticket price.

I'd also once accidentally booked a hotel between the wrong dates by 1 day, arrived realising that we were technically meant to be there the day before, and therefore we were short a day for our flight back, they didn't make a fuss and just started the 7 days from the day we arrived instead of the night before.

It's surprising how accommodating they can be at times.

You might find you can get a combination of best of both, that the hotel is willing to delay your stay a few days, and that the airline get you on a flight Monday. Might just have to be open minded to having to travel further (in my case it was going from Manchester Airport to Edinburgh) and paying a bit extra.

@Nowanextraone You will get a tracking link for your passport, once it’s said it's being printed, call the passport office and ask them if you can collect it in person, may be quicker than the post. Wishing you so much luck x

Op- have you asked the travel company if you push your holiday back?

This was online: "The earliest you can get an appointment is 2 days after you apply. You will get your new passport at your appointment. You can only use this service to renew an adult passport. It costs £207.50 (or £219.50 for a 54 page frequent traveller passport)." Children - you could ask....wish I knew more.

Fingers and toes crossed for you OP. I agree with the PP who suggested that both parents attend the appointment (and to shamelessly beg!)

For your own peace of mind I'd also get a Plan B together, just in case.

I would fly to Belfast with all the documents and literally beg them to turn it around for you.

You need to book an appointment online. You could have something lined up for tomorrow if you don’t hang around. No one on the phone is going to help you. Your only hope is both parents attending the first available appointment with the expired passport. I can’t believe you haven’t booked a slot already…..

OP has made an appointment for tomorrow.

So you are saying to pretend to have covid?

RTFT people

This happened with us but luckily we had 2 weeks before we were due to fly. It was both my passport and one of DD’s. Mine I did the 1day, and as you know the child one is 7 days. We got it in the post 4 days later though. I hope you get it in time- you never know! 🤞

Are you not considering letting the unaffected people go as planned and you and DD catch up with them as soon as you can? Not only do you salvage some of your money that way, your DH who lost his mum doesn't miss out. And possibly the unwell child if that's not DD.

Let's face it, op has fucked up and either
a) leaves DD at home
b) they all stay home
I wish her well, but safeguarding concerns re getting a passport at the drop of the hat

c) DH and other kids (who sound like they need it the most) go, OP and DD wait until passport arrives and then join them ASAP. Something to consider once she's had her appointment and been given a realistic estimate of when the passport will arrive. If it was likely to arrive before the weekend, this is the option I would go with for sure.

Safeguarding concerns??