TSA reportedly changing shoe policy at some airport checkpoints

(NewsNation) — After two decades of airline travelers shucking their shoes for security, the government is reportedly scrapping the policy for some airports.

The Transportation Safety Administration will soon allow some security checkpoints to ditch the shoes-off policy for the general public, government officials confirmed to multiple outlets.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt seemingly confirmed the reports Tuesday morning on social media, calling the reports "big news" from the Department of Homeland Security.

TSA has not yet formally confirmed the change.

"TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience and our strong security posture. Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels," the agency said in a statement.

TSA enacted shoes-off policy in 2006 after shoe bomber attempt

The rule — and other safety measures like it, including banning gels, liquids and aerosols in bags — came about after a failed attack in 2001 on a flight from Paris to Miami.

Just two months after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Richard Reid boarded an American Airlines flight with homemade bombs hidden in his shoes.

Dubbed the "shoe bomber," Reid was unable to light the fuse on his homemade bomb and was restrained. He pleaded guilty to eight terrorism-related charges in 2002.

In 2006, TSA began requiring passengers to remove their shoes to screen for explosives based on "intelligence pointing to a continuing threat," according to TSA.

TSA Precheck, select passengers already avoided shoe policy

Some flyers were already avoiding going barefoot in the airport.

Travelers over age 75, children who appeared to be younger than 13 and passengers in certain programs, like TSA PreCheck and Clear, have typically been spared from the shoes-off policy.