Boston grandmother keeps promise to attend grandson’s graduation after passport scare
Janice Brathwaite had promised herself she would be at her grandson’s college graduation if he made it across the stage. When the moment arrived at the University of Kentucky, she was determined to be there—even if it meant sprinting through last‑minute travel hurdles.
Brathwaite booked a flight from Boston and realized her passport had expired. With the trip looming in three weeks, she searched for an option to renew quickly. She found PassportsandVisas.com, which advertised four‑business‑day passport renewals for $499. “I’m pretty good about due diligence, but panic took over,” she recalled.
The Better Business Bureau warns that such third‑party sites can leave travelers vulnerable to identity theft, especially when personal details like Social Security numbers and birth dates are shared. Brathwaite did receive a passport, but it arrived only after she had already boarded the plane line, and it arrived about three weeks after she placed the order—too late for her original schedule.
There was a silver lining. Brathwaite still made it to her grandson’s graduation thanks to her driver’s license and the understanding help of TSA agents. “I was really very lucky,” she said.
Channel 9’s Boston sister station followed up with PassportandVisas.com, but the company did not respond promptly. A representative asked for an email and then did not reply within the promised window, leaving questions about the service’s reliability.
The U.S. State Department urges travelers to use only MyTravel.State.gov for passport applications and renewals, to avoid third‑party sites that may overpromise on turnaround times. Official guidance notes that standard processing typically takes four to six weeks, with expedited options available in as little as two weeks if you visit a passport center in person. Although Charlotte does not have a regional passport center yet, the closest locations are in Atlanta and Charleston.
What to know before you buy into an expediting service
– Always verify the service with official government sources. The State Department’s site is the definitive portal for passport transactions.
– Be wary of sites advertising ultra‑fast processing for high fees, especially if personal information is requested.
– If you have a tight deadline, consider visiting a passport agency or center in person rather than relying on mail‑order services.
– Real ID considerations may affect air travel, so stay informed about deadlines and accepted IDs at airports.
Additional notes
– The incident underscores how travel plans can hinge on passport timing and the importance of sticking with official channels.
– For many travelers, a proactive plan and a clear understanding of processing times can prevent stressful last‑minute scrambles and potential scams.
Overall, Brathwaite’s experience illustrates both the vulnerability of rushed travel needs to questionable services and the resilience of travelers who navigate the system to keep important family moments—and memories—alive. With ongoing improvements and clearer guidance from official channels, travelers have better options to avoid delays and fraud while still making meaningful journeys. If you’ve faced a similar rush, sharing experiences can help others prepare and stay safe.