Getting a passport taking longer than ever

American's flying or cruising in or out of Canada now need a U.S. passport. Beginning in 2008, they will need one to arrive or depart by land. The new rules have caused a flood of applications since late January when the U.S. government started requiring U.S. airline passengers — including children — to show a passport upon their return from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean. Passport applications filed between October and March are up 44 percent from the same period a year ago, the department told lawmakers this week. In February alone, applications were up 25 percent. Because of the glut, it could take 10 weeks instead of the usual six to process routine applications, according to the department. And expedited requests, which cost an extra $60 on top of the normal $97 fee, could take four weeks instead of two. Need a passport soon? Get your application in pronto!