US Passport Questions & Issues Megathread (Fall/Winter 2021)

My 18 yo daughter's passport expired in December, and because she was under 16 when it was issued, she had to apply in person as a NEW passport--it was not considered a renewal. I think this is because it is the first time she as an adult is applying for it and not her parents? Anyway, I filled out the application for her a couple of months ago with the intention of her doing over her winter break from college, although she had no travel plans at the time--just because it expiring and you never know what will come up, right? Well, she procrastinated, and guess what? Something came up. A spring break trip leaving on March 7. That got her moving, and here is the timeline to date:

January 18: applied in-person at post office with expedited processing and shipping

January 20: tracking number shows application received in Philadelphia

January 21: status changed to in-process as of that date with locater number 69 (Philly)

The application still shows in-process as of today, January 31. Here are a few questions:

1) I filled out the application before she had plans, so the travels dates were left blank, and we didn't think to add those before submitting. Do the processors use that for any priority, even when expedited application?

2) The application notes her prior passport number and the box is checked for "submitting with application." The agent at post office did not send the expired passport in but instead her birth certificate. I think that this is because it is considered a new application and not a renewal, but I'm not sure. Could this possibly have been the wrong decision and hold up approval?

3) At what point should I (really she) contact our senator or house representative? I thought best to give the expedited process a chance to work but don't want to cut it too close. Maybe at 3 weeks prior to travel (that would be February 14) if still no status update?

Thanks for any wisdom, thoughts, or advice!

/r/travel Thread