Travelers who haven’t obtained a REAL ID by this week’s deadline received assurances from the head of Homeland Security that they will be able to fly after additional identity checks. Her comments came Tuesday as people were waiting in long lines outside of government buildings from California to Chicago trying to update their

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said air travelers starting Wednesday who do not have enhanced ID cards may face enhanced security procedures but will not be denied access to flights.

The REAL ID deadline begins Wednesday (May 7), though Department of Homeland Security officials say those without the new identification can still board planes but will need to get to the airport even earlier.