TRAVEL Q&A

Shutdown on passports?

Q I am going to apply for a passport soon for a trip I am taking in May. How long does the processing take, and would that be affected by a government shutdown?

A When I checked the State Department website on Thursday, it said, "we are processing routine applications in approximately four to six weeks from the time of application." But if there is no agreement in Washington on how to extend spending after March 4, when funding for the current fiscal year expires, passport production certainly could slow. Most government shutdowns last fewer than three days, though some have stretched longer. In 1995, for instance, there were two shutdowns; one lasted five days and the other, 21. According to the Congressional Research Service, "200,000 U.S. applications for passports reportedly went unprocessed."

My advice: Always seek a passport well before any trip that requires one. Given the current budget debates, you can opt to pay an additional $60, plus the costs of overnight shipping both ways, to have your passport book expedited. Be sure to write "expedited" on the outside of mailed applications. You could also pay an additional fee to hire a passport expediter service. Both A Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditors (www.abriggs.com) and ZVS (www.zvs.com) are reliable options.

KERRI WESTENBERG

Amtrak takes to YouTubeAmtrak has launched a YouTube channel to feature safety tips, information on the Trails and Rails program, footage of employees and more. Go to www.youtube.com/amtrak.

WASHINGTON POST

WASHINGTON POST

Delta miles to last forever If you have thousands of frequent-flier miles with Delta Airlines, relax: You can take your time using them. This month, Delta became the first major U.S. airline to eliminate expiration dates on frequent-flier miles. The change applies to all accounts, retroactive to Jan. 1. Previously, miles expired 24 months after a member's last "qualifying mileage activity," which meant that a flier had to earn or redeem miles during that period. Most airlines have similar requirements. The change is part of a series of improvements the airline has made to its SkyMiles program, such as eliminating a first checked-bag fee for Gold, Platinum and Reserve Delta SkyMiles credit cardholders from American Express. The airline promised more enhancements to the program this year, including an upgraded award travel calendar on Delta.com and a better booking process.

WASHINGTON POST

Snag last-minute hotel deal Here's a well-designed hotel app that helps last-minute travelers nab a deal on a same-day stay. Hotel Tonight, for iPhone and iPad, offers three hotel deals every day at noon, local time, that are good for a stay that night in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Choose from "hip," "elegant" or "basic" categories until 2 a.m. The app is free to download; a $25 credit is applied to your first purchase.

LOS ANGELES TIMES