Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Homeland security chief says people without new ID ‘may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step’
Kristi Noem, the head of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), said on Tuesday that travelers without a REAL ID will still be able to fly when the updated identity system comes into effect on 7 May, but they may face extra scrutiny at transportation security agency (TSA) checkpoints.
Noem told lawmakers that 81% of travelers already have IDs that comply with the REAL ID requirements, and that those that don’t “may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step”.