We are planning on departing in late June for a trip to Europe. It looks like we are in the sweet spot now (early March) to reserve airfare. The problem is I cannot apply for passports until March 14 due to a planned trip and work schedules.
We can purchase airfare before having passports, and if everything goes fine, we will have passports in plenty of time for travel. I guess the real question here is what is the real risk of something going wrong with the passports? We are natural-born US citizens, have all necessary documentation, including even certified birth certificates, and will go to a local government office to get the passport process started. I'm also good about details and properly completing paperwork. I think the risk should be minimal enough that I shouldn't fear reserving airfare.
What are your thoughts?