So how big is a quart sized bag? and what are a quart size bag TSA dimensions?
Whether you’re traveling for business, or going for an adventure to Bora Bora you will need your favorite face wash, hair products and mouthwash, and it all comes down to taking the right quart size baggie.
And here is the criteria of a quart size bag in the eyes of the TSA.
The TSA quart size bag dimensions are ( 6 inches in height x 9 inches in length) and even if it is slightly above these sizes it is still approved, the TSA do not endorse any brand or mark of quart sized bags, but they prefer to be sealable and made of clear plastic for easy screening.
Let’s dive right in.
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Quart-Size Meaning
Here is the definition of a quart size “A unit of volume or capacity in the US Customary System, used in liquid measure and equal to 1 /4 of a gallon or 32 ounces (0.95 liter).”
you get it!!
Let’s look at it this way, a liquid quart equals 0.95 ml or 32 ounces meaning that the bag is the size of approximately 1 liter bottle. Or the quart size bag can take almost 1 liter of liquids.
My friend James from Travelinglight provides a calculator that will help you adjust the size and know if the bag dimensions are considered a quart size.
But mostly the total size of a quart sized bag must not exceed 16.5 inches in the total dimensions if added together.
How Big Is a Quart Sized Bag?
The TSA does not have an exact size which they consider mandatory for a quart-sized bag, but they stated that its dimensions are approximately (6 inches in height x 9 inches in length), meaning even if your bag is slightly over these sizes there will be no issues.
Here the TSA answered Jorena about taking her 4.5 / 7 / 2 inches bag.
“As long as the toiletry bag is the approximate dimensions of a quart-sized bag (6 inches in height x 9 inches in length), you’ll be good to go through the checkpoint. Please remember to remove the filled toiletry bag from your carry-on and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.”
The Total dimensions of the bag is 13.5 inches which is fine.
Becka wanted to know if her toiletries bag was considered a quart-sized. 8.5″ length and about 5″ in height.
The TSA customer service replied with the same response above the approximate dimensions of a quart sized bag 6″ / 9 “ .
How Strict Is The Quart Size Bag?
The TSA are not so strict about the dimensions or the type of the quart sized bag.
As long as you don’t take a large toiletry bag, even if the bag exceeds the mentioned dimensions by some inches you are good to go.
You can also use a quart sized Ziploc-bag, just make sure that it is not too big.
The good thing is most manufacturers are trying to match the given dimensions, so they can claim that their bags are TSA approved, thus there will be a wide range of toiletry bags you can choose from without being worried about the size.
Does The Quart Size Bag Have To Be Clear?
No,The TSA does not require the quart size bag to be 100% transparent.
As you can see they don’t mention that the quart sized bag must be transparent.
Here is a question Lauren asked if her beautiful toiletries bag can go in a carry-on bag.
The TSA replied “A quart-sized bag is the rule. There are no specific rules for the type of bag“
Nick wanted to know if his see-through mesh bag -which is not 100% transparent- is allowed to take through the security checkpoint. “I know the 3-1-1 rule uses a quart size bag for carry on but does it necessarily have to be fully clear? Will this see-through mesh work?”
Nick got a green light for his mesh toiletry bag.
How Many Quart Bags Can You Take On a Carry-On?
The TSA allowed only one quart-sized bag for each passenger in carry-on baggage, However; you can take unlimited bags inside your checked luggage.
Some passengers try to sneak 2 quart bags onto planes but most of the time they get caught.
But the good news is you can place as many travel size bottles as you can inside your toiletry bag.
For example if you want to take 6.8 oz / 201 ml of shampoo and you are traveling carry on only, you can split the container to two bottles of 3.4 oz / 100 ml each and place them inside your quart sized bag.
Quart Size Bag Vs Sandwich Bag
A sandwich bag is much smaller than a quart size bag, so if you planned to use you may end up sacrificing a lo of toiletries and items.
The dimensions of a sandwich bag are about 6.5 inches / 16.51 cm x 5.5 inches / 12.7 cm, but as long as the TSA do not enforce any type of quart size bag you can use it as an alternative.
What If I Don’t Have a Quart Sized Bag?
If you don’t have a quart sized-bag, it is okay the TSA don’t specify any type of toiletry bag, the main thing the TSA take to consideration is that the bag must not be too large, and the liquids must fit properly inside it, so you can use a Ziploc bag of example, or even a food storage bag.
Best Quart Size Bags For Travel
| Toiletry bags | Size | View on Amazon | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 2pcs/pack Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag | 7.7 x 5.9 x 2.5 inches | View |
 | ProCase TSA Approved Travel Toiletry Bag Pouch | 8.85 x 5.1 x 2.15 inches | View |
 | Clear TSA Approved 3-1-1 Travel Toiletry Bag | 6.25 x 6.25 x 2.5 inches | View |
 | Travel Toiletry Bag-Quart Sized with Zipper | 7.2 x 5.5 x 2.5 Inches | View |
Final Thoughts
If you still wonder how big a quart sized bag is?, it’s approximately (6″ x 9″), however the TSA agent will not measure your bag, but he will surely notice if your bag is too large.
So as long as the toiletry bag is not that extensive , you won’t have any problem.
The TSA liquid rules focus more on the quantity of liquids that are inside the bag.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
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