What You Need To Know About TSA's Quart-Size Bag Rules

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

When flying, TSA's liquid rules state that your liquids must fit inside a quart-size bag. These rules apply to aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. But what exactly is a quart-size bag, and why does it matter? Dive deeper into understanding the size requirements and what you can pack.

Understanding the size of a quart-size bag can make your travel smoother and stress-free. Photo: @Artico (modified by author) Source: UGC

What Exactly is a Quart-Sized Bag?
- What Goes Inside a Quart-Sized Bag?
How Big Should a Quart-Sized Bag Be?

If you're planning a trip, you've probably heard about the TSA's rules regarding liquids in carry-ons. The key to staying compliant? A quart-sized bag. These clear, resealable bags are designed to hold your liquids, gels, and aerosols in a way that makes airport security faster and smoother. So, how big is a quart-sized bag, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.

What Exactly is a Quart-Sized Bag?

A quart-sized bag is a clear, resealable plastic bag that follows TSA guidelines for carrying liquids in carry-on luggage. Its purpose is simple: to hold containers with liquids, gels, creams, or aerosols that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller. Think of it as your travel buddy for toiletries, ensuring you meet the TSA's strict requirements without hassle.

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What Goes Inside a Quart-Sized Bag?

According to TSA guidelines, quart-sized bags are specifically for liquids, gels, creams, aerosols, and pastes. These items must be in containers no larger than 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces). Examples include toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, and travel-sized hand sanitizers. By keeping everything in one clear bag, TSA agents can quickly scan your items without opening them, making the process faster for everyone.

Knowing the size of a quart-sized bag ensures you comply with TSA regulations and organize your essentials efficiently. Photo by Fort Worth Star-Telegram Source: Getty Images

How Big Should a Quart-Sized Bag Be?

The ideal dimensions for a TSA-approved quart-sized bag are 6 inches by 9 inches. During an interaction on the official TSA Twitter account, officials clarified that as long as your toiletry bag is roughly this size, you’re good to go. They also reminded travelers to remove the bag from their carry-on and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening. While some slight variations in size might be okay, sticking close to these measurements ensures smooth sailing through security.

As long as the toiletry bag is approximately 6" x 9", you’ll breeze through the checkpoint. Remember to remove the filled bag from your carry-on and place it in a separate bin for screening.

Don’t worry too much about being exact—security personnel don’t typically measure bags down to the millimeter. However, staying within the recommended range helps avoid unnecessary scrutiny.

The TSA's Quart-Sized Bag Rules

Here’s a quick rundown of the rules governing quart-sized bags:

Each traveler is allowed only one quart-sized bag in their carry-on luggage.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers no larger than 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces).
Any item that raises concerns during screening may require additional checks.
Passengers must remove the quart-sized bag from their carry-on and place it in a separate bin for screening.

These rules exist to ensure everyone’s safety while traveling. By following them, you’ll save time and reduce stress at security checkpoints.

A quart-sized bag holds your liquids, gels, and aerosols in a way that meets TSA standards. Photo by Krisblackphotography Source: Getty Images

Quart-Sized Bag Dimensions in Litres

A quart-sized bag has a capacity of approximately 0.946 liters. To calculate this, multiply the length, width, and depth of the bag. Once you’ve done the math, you’ll arrive at roughly 57.75 cubic inches, which equals 0.946 liters or one quart. This measurement is crucial for travelers who want to stay within TSA’s guidelines for liquid carry-ons.

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Quart-Sized Bag Dimensions in Centimeters

In metric terms, a quart-sized bag typically measures about 15.2 cm by 22.9 cm (6 inches by 9 inches). Some variations exist, such as bags measuring 17.8 cm by 20.3 cm (7 inches by 8 inches). Regardless of minor differences, the goal is to ensure the bag holds approximately 0.946 liters and complies with TSA standards.

Is a Sandwich Bag the Same as a Quart-Sized Bag?

No, a sandwich bag isn’t the same as a quart-sized bag. A standard quart-sized bag measures around 6 inches by 9 inches, whereas a typical sandwich bag is closer to 6.5 inches by 6.5 inches. The smaller size means sandwich bags hold less volume, so they don’t meet TSA’s requirements. Stick with a proper quart-sized bag to avoid issues at security.

A quart-sized bag is your trusty companion for organizing carry-on essentials. Photo by Krisblackphotography Source: Getty Images

How Many Bottles Fit in a Quart-Sized Bag?

A quart-sized bag can typically hold ten or more travel-sized bottles, each no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). The exact number depends on the size and shape of the bottles, but the key is to ensure all containers fit snugly inside the bag and are properly sealed.

How Strict Are TSA Officers About Quart-Sized Bags?

TSA officers are pretty firm about the one-quart-sized-bag-per-person rule. Your liquids, gels, and aerosols must fit inside this bag, and each container should be no larger than 100 milliliters. While some flexibility exists in terms of bag size, exceeding the limit could lead to delays or confiscated items.

How Do You Measure a Quart-Sized Bag?

According to TSA guidelines, a quart-sized bag should measure approximately 6 inches by 9 inches. To verify, use a ruler or measuring tape to check the bag’s length and width. Additionally, ensure the bag is made of clear polyethylene, allowing TSA agents to inspect its contents easily. Proper preparation can prevent headaches at security checkpoints.

How Many 100ml Containers Can You Bring?

There’s no hard limit on the number of 100ml (3.4 ounce) containers you can bring, as long as they all fit inside your single quart-sized bag. Just make sure each container is properly sealed and doesn’t exceed the