The Transportation Security Administration is planning changes to the federal air marshal service.
According to an ABC News report, some air marshals will be seated at the back of aircraft for the first time.
They have always been positioned near the front to better protect against any attempted incursions into the cockpit.
It is unclear why the change is being made and the union representing air marshals criticized the decision.
"Changing deployment methodologies and the manner in which we conduct business is absolutely unnecessary and does not pass the common-sense test — especially during the busiest travel season of the year," said Brian Borek, spokesman for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
The change takes effect on December 28.
Unnamed officials told ABC News the change of position allows air marshals to better scan the whole cabin for any threats.
"In an effort to address evolving threats to aviation security, TSA continues to optimize in-flight security efforts; training and tactics are routinely reviewed and updated based upon intelligence," the TSA said in a statement.
"The Federal Air Marshal Service has and will continue to add a valuable layer of security to TSA’s overall effort to protect the entire global aviation system," the agency told the Hill.
