US Passport Expiration/EU Entry

I'm traveling to Europe from the US on Tuesday and just realized my passport expires in February 2010...my point of entry in the netherlands. The state dept website says passport "should" (not must) be valid for 3 months after your stay.
I called KLM and they said that i'm fine, although the customer service rep i spoke with wasn't super convicing.
The embassy's are closed so i won't be able to speak with anyone until Monday, the day before my trip. I've checked on emergency renewal, it's possible, but will cost $485 (!!!!!!!). I can't afford that much....definitely not unless it's absolutely 100% necessary....and even then....

I'm such an idiot...i meant to renew my passport months ago and i forgot. Nothing i can do now though. anyone have any experience or insight? I've read some other posts and they generally say that the rule could be enforced...
Does anyone have any actual experience being turned away or squeaking by under the three months?

I'm traveling with my wife, who's an EU citizen, we have a return ticket for december 2, my feeling is that the KLM rep is probably right and i'll probably be ok.....but very stressed and feeling very stupid. Please help if you know anything...!

What are your actual travel dates?

I'm traveling to Europe from the US on Tuesday

Which country in Europe, in out out of the Schengen area?

my passport expires in February 2010...my point of entry in the netherlands

Just how long are you planning on staying in Europe?

The state dept website says passport "should" (not must) be valid for 3 months after your stay.

They are right. You can be denied entry into the Schengen Area if your passport is not valid for at least 6 months from the day of entry. If you are only going for a fews on a business trip it won't be a big issue, but if you plan on staying months....

eeek. leaving november 17, returning december 2...2 weeks, staying with my wifes family in germany...if i'm allowed in.
i guess since i don't have $500 the best i can do is try to go and see what happens...

i did find this article which is somewhat hopeful...

http://blogs.chron.com/houstondepartures/2009/03/traveling_with_a_nearly_expire.html</a>

I guess that the check-in staff in the US may be a more severe hurdle than the Dutch/German (whereeven you enter Schengen) immigration!

(they are scared for the trouble bringing you back for free if denied entry)!

But all together - take it easy.
Good luck