PASSPORTS (June 2014)

[Pabster]

My situation is different from, and less fraught than, many other members', but I'd still appreciate comments.
I live in France and am coming to UK next week, to bring back family friend and her daughter for a short holiday with me and my wife.
FF's daughter has just turned 21 and applied to renew her passport, sending it (not by PO Check & Send service) to Peterborough on Saturday 14 June.
FF and D didn't mention any date of future travel in the application and haven't retained any details, to enable tracking; no email/text confirmation of receipt yet.
Booked date of travel is Saturday 5 July.
This seems to me to be cutting things dangerously fine, but FF and D say I'm just being paranoid (I often am!) and there's no need to worry. However, I'd rather be prepared, so I can make contingency plans.
Questions

1. Any general thoughts about the feasibility of the time scheme above (sending on 14/6/14 for travel on 5/7/14)?
2. Do all applicants (who give an email address) get a confirmation of receipt by text?
3. Is there a reasonably consistent time lapse between such a text and eventual receipt of passport (I'm guessing it varies a lot)?
4. Any other thoughts or advice?

I'll update the outcome, but may not be able to do so while I'm in the UK

I'm afraid I know nothing about applications from overseas, but my passport is at Peterborough, I spoke to them today and they are very behind. My passport application arrived with them on 13th June, but isn't due to be examined until about 16-17th July (15 working days from now). That will be 5 weeks from when I sent it, and only two days short of 5 weeks from when they received it.

Thanks: very helpful and,sadly, confirms what I feared: that travel on 5 July is pretty much out of the question. BTW, the application was sent from UK. Any other comments v welcome.

have a look at all the other passport threads on here and in travel overseas. there are lots of helpful suggestions, telephone numbers etc. being honest having read these I don't think you stand much chance of a passport in 3 weeks. good luck

I didn't get a text confirming receipt (I sent it via check and send), I don't think everybody gets a text. I phoned up to ask and they confirmed receipt 2 days after check and send. Today I received a text, exactly 3 weeks after them receiving it that it is being printed, so I will have it in the next few days. So I think it is extremely unlikely you could have it back within 3 weeks and you can't fast track it unless they've had it for 3 weeks atleast.
Your friends should have fast tracked from the beginning. Hope you sort it all out.

Considering that postal applicants are advised to allow a minimum of 4 weeks for processing (and that doesn't take into account any of the current possible delays in the system) it is highly likely that the passport won't be back in time to travel. It may be fine (sometimes people are lucky) but they do need to be prepared that it won't and it's unlikely they'll be able to fast track towards the end as it won't have been at the passport office for more than 3 weeks and it's pretty clear they didn't really send it in in enough time for the booked holiday!

I HOPE THAT THE OUTCOME OF THIS EXPERIENCE MIGHT BE USEFUL TO/REASSURE OTHERS......
The young lady concerned (see first post) rang Peterborough passport office and explained the situation on Wednesday 2 July; they gave her an appointment for Thursday 3 July and handed the passport over there and then. The total turnaround time was SIXTEEN DAYS! She had to pay for the Fast Track service, but was impressed by the courtesy and efficiency of everyone she dealt with (and has learnt that it's a good idea to apply in good time!)

Three passports took just over three weeks sent check and send post office. Sent just as passport problem highlighted. Another had to send supporting documents. So hoping soon be back
Not booked anything yet.