For the first time in almost 20 years, air travellers may no longer be required to take off their shoes during security screenings at U.S. airports.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is looking to abandon the additional security step that has for years bedevilled anyone passing through U.S airports, according to media reports. If implemented, it would put an end to a security screening mandate put in place almost 20 years ago, several years after "shoe bomber" Richard Reid's failed attempt to take down a flight from Paris to Miami in late 2001.

The travel newsletter Gate Access was first to report that the security screening change was coming. ABC News reported on an internal memo sent to TSA officers last week stating the new policy allows travellers to keep their shoes on during standard screenings at many U.S. airports, beginning Sunday. That would expand to all airports shortly.

The plan is for the change to occur at all U.S. airports soon, the memo said.

Travellers have previously been able to skirt the extra security requirement if they participate in the TSA PreCheck program, which costs around $80 US for five years. The program allows airline passengers to get through the screening process without removing shoes, belts or light jackets.

All passengers between the ages of 12 and 75 are required to remove their shoes, which are scanned along with carryon luggage.

The TSA has not officially confirmed the reported security screening change yet.

"TSA and DHS are always exploring new and innovative ways to enhance passenger experience and our strong security posture," a TSA spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday.

"Any potential updates to our security process will be issued through official channels."

The TSA began in 2001 when then-U.S. president George W. Bush signed legislation for its creation two months after the 9/11 attacks. The agency included federal airport screeners that replaced the private companies airlines had used to handle security.