Passport advice - what would you do?

[Nearlyamumoftwo]

Flying to Lanzarote a month today and realised my son's passport expires November 2026 - technically this is ok as we ar returning to the UK in July 2026 (rule is at least 3 month validity), but would your risk it??

if not - would you renew and risk the standard service which takes approx 3 weeks?

or do fast track? And if you do fast track does anyone know if the child has to accompany you??

The person in question is a child, therefore has only a 5 year passport

I'd probably use the one I have now if it stays valid for quite some time. Renewal is a good idea but better done when you have more time, just in case of any delays or mistakes (which happens rarely but you still don't want to risk it).
Besides, I usually hate the photos they do in the post office and prefer to take my own (also here is a guide for that if you need one!) and there might be a small chance it gets declined. Then again, this has never happened to me personally but that should be kept in mind still.

Overall, I'd just go with the existing passport since it'll be valid by the time you return.