TSA Approved Quart Size Bag Dimensions: How Big Is a Quart Sized Bag?

Whether you’re going on a business trip or an adventure to discover Cancun, you will need to take enough of your favorite face wash, hair products, and mouthwash and it all comes down to taking a TSA approved quart-size bag.

But what is the TSA approved quart-size bag dimensions? And how big is a quart-sized bag?

The TSA-approved quart-size bag dimensions are 6 inches in height × 9 inches in length (15 cm in height × 23 cm in length). Even if your bag is slightly over these dimensions, it is still approved. The TSA does not endorse any specific brand or type of quart-sized bags, but they prefer the bag to be sealable and made of clear plastic for easy screening.

Keep reading to learn more about how strict the TSA is with quart-sized bag dimensions and to see a list of the best quart-sized bags for travel.

Use this quart-sized bag calculator to avoid having your toiletries confiscated by the TSA.

How to Use The Quart Sized Bag Calculator :

• Enter the width and length of your plastic bag, Ziploc bag, or sandwich bag in inches or centimeters.
• Click the “Check Size” button.
• Instantly find out if your bag is within the TSA approved quart sized limit.

What Does Quart Sized Mean?

Here is the definition of 1 quart size dimensions:
“A unit of volume or capacity in the U.S. Customary System, used in liquid measure and equal to 1/4 of a gallon or 32 ounces (0.95 liters).”

You get it, right?

Let’s look at it this way: a liquid quart equals 0.95 liters or 32 fluid ounces, meaning the bag is approximately the size of a 1-liter bottle.

A quart-sized bag can hold almost 1 liter of liquids, or 0.264172 U.S. liquid gallons.

My friend James from Travelinglight also created a calculator that you can slide to help you check whether your bag dimensions are considered quart-sized.

In most cases, the total dimensions of a quart-sized bag must not exceed 16.5 inches when added together.

How Big Is a Quart Sized Bag?

The TSA does not have an exact size that they consider mandatory for a quart-sized bag, but they state that the approximate dimensions are 6 inches in height × 9 inches in length. This means that even if your bag is slightly over these sizes, there should be no issues.

I searched TSA social media to find some answers.

Here is a response from the TSA replying to Jorena (@JorenaDiMare) about taking her 4.5 × 7 × 2-inch bag. The total dimensions of her bag equal 13.5 inches.

“Liquids bags must be the approximate dimensions of a quart-sized bag, around 6" × 9". Jorena’s bag is good to go.”

Becka wanted to know if her toiletries bag was considered quart-sized: 8.5 inches in length and about 5 inches in height.

“As long as the toiletry bag is the approximate dimensions of a quart-sized bag (6 inches in height × 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.”

How Strict Is TSA With Quart-Size Bags?

The TSA is not very strict about the exact dimensions or the type of quart-sized bag.

As long as you don’t bring a large toiletry bag, even if your bag exceeds the recommended dimensions by a few inches, you should be fine.

Most manufacturers try to match the suggested dimensions so they can claim their bags are TSA-approved. This gives you a wide range of toiletry bags to choose from without worrying too much about 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 fully clear.

Lauren asked if her beautiful toiletries bag could go in a carry-on.

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 was allowed at 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 received approval for his mesh toiletry bag.

How Many Quart Bags Can You Take on a Carry-On?

You can carry many quart-sized bags inside your carry-on, but you are allowed only one quart-sized bag of liquids.

If you try to sneak in two quart-sized bags containing liquids, most of the time you will get caught, and the liquids will be confiscated.

The good news is that you can place as many travel-size bottles as you want inside your one allowed toiletry bag.

For example, if you want to take 6.8 oz (201 ml) of shampoo and are traveling carry-on only, you can split it into two bottles of 3.4 oz (100 ml) each and place them inside your quart-sized bag.

Quart Size Bag vs Sandwich Bag

As you can notice in the tweet above, a sandwich bag is approved by the TSA.

However, a sandwich bag is much smaller than a quart-sized bag, so if you plan to use it, you may end up sacrificing a lot of toiletries.

The dimensions of a sandwich bag are about 6.5 inches × 5.5 inches (16.51 cm × 12.7 cm). As long as the TSA does not enforce a specific type of quart-size bag and you don’t have many toiletries, you can use it as an alternative.

Yes, your resealable liquids bag can be quart-sized or smaller. To see more on our carry-on liquids rule, pls visit: https://t.co/lF54Sx7RfA

— AskTSA (@AskTSA) February 8, 2019

What If I Don’t Have a Quart-Sized Bag?

If you don’t have a quart-sized bag, that’s okay. The TSA does not specify a particular type of toiletry bag.

The main thing the TSA considers is that the bag must not be too large and that the liquids fit properly inside it. You can use a Ziploc bag, for example, or even a food storage bag.

Best Quart Size Bags For Travel

	Toiletry bags	Size
	2pcs/pack Lermende Clear Toiletry Bag	7.7 x 5.9 x 2.5 inches
	ProCase TSA Approved Travel Toiletry Bag Pouch	8.85 x 5.1 x 2.15 inches
	Clear TSA Approved 3-1-1 Travel Toiletry Bag	6.25 x 6.25 x 2.5 inches
	Travel Toiletry Bag-Quart Sized with Zipper	7.2 x 5.5 x 2.5 Inches

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

If you still wonder how big a quart-sized bag is—or “quarter bag size,” as many passengers call it it’s approximately 6" × 9".

A TSA agent will not measure your bag, but they will notice if it’s too large.

As long as the toiletry bag isn’t oversized, you shouldn’t have any problems.

The TSA liquid rules focus more on the quantity of liquids inside the bag than on the exact bag dimensions.

I hope this helps.

Happy travels.

FAQ: How Big Is a Quart Sized Bag?

How To Make Sure That The TSA Do Not Confiscate Your Toiletry Bag?

Follow the TSA rules, and take only 3.4 oz / 100 ml of liquids, and take what fits in one quart sized bag.

Are there any exceptions for travelers with medical needs?

No, the same rules apply for all passengers, but if you are taking any liquid medications you don't have to place them in a quart sized bag, or follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.

Should You Label Your Quart-Sized Bag?

No you don't need to label your quart sized bag, you only need to inform the TSA officer that you have liquids and remove them from your bag for further screening.

What Happen If You Accidentally Pack Prohibited Items In Your Quart-Sized Bag?

If you accidentally pack a prohibited item in your quart sized bag, it will be removed with the TSA officers at the security checkpoint, but always double check your items when packing, some types of prohibited items may put you in some serious trouble.

Can You Bring A Quart-Sized Bag With Liquids And Toiletries In My Checked Luggage?

You are free to bring liquids in checked baggage and you don't need even to place them inside a quart sized bag.

Can You Travel With a Small Transparent Quart Sized bag?

You won't have any problem taking a small toiletry bag, only big quart sized bags maybe subject for additional screening.

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