I have a trip booked for May 2009. My passport expires September 2009. Is this a potential problem? I seem to remember something about the expiration date needing to be six months after the trip date. Searching the archives has not helped.

Many countries require you have at least 6 months left on your passport, I believe Bonaire is not one of them. It just states "a valid passport".

you should check with the airline. They generally are instructed to deny boarding to those whose pass ports are expiring within 6 months. You have plenty of time to renew now so to be on the safe side..etc.

I answered my own question. Renew at a minimum six months before your trip. For reference see
http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/faq/faq_1741.html#gen9

Ron bring a copy of your B/Cert just in case... Ron

Why not renew before you go in May? Seems like the easiest thing to do.

Look up three threads for the answer to my own question, with a link to the State Department web site and why one should do this. Of course I will renew before my next trip. Duh.