this is the whole story:
I applied on feb.28, by march 10th i still could not track my case online, which got on my nerves. I called customer service, rep asked me when my trip was. i said March 24. She said to me: Dont believe what post office clerks said to you, because right now it will take up to 3 weeks for the expedite service. Then she recommended me to make an appointment with passport agency through automated service. just wait till the end of March, if you don't receive it, make an appointment and make sure you get the confirmation number, because they will check it at the passport agency, get the earliest appointment, because you will have to wait there. When you called customer service, did they tell you whether your case is in the system already or not? If it is, then will make your life much easier. You just show up at your appointment with your ID, confirmation number(appointment), your airline ticket(make sure you bring that), and the receipt from the post office. (i think you might have to pay extra because you applied via regular routine, i did not pay any extra, because of the expedite service fee). The agency people will tell you when to pick up your passport. (in person), you can ask someone else to pick it up for u, as long you sign the paper, and they will return the certificate along with your us passport when you pick them up. let me know if you have more questions
PS: The reason why you must bring your travel proof is: Agency will tell you just to wait if you can not prove that you need the passport ASAP for travel purpose