How big is a quart-size bag? Travel size guide for TSA checks

How big is a quart-size bag? Travel size guide for TSA checks

When travelling on a plane, TSA liquids rules require that liquids must be packed in a quart-size bag. The liquids rule includes aerosols, gels, creams and pastes. But how big is a quart-size bag? Explore more facts about the recommended size of a quart-sized bag and the items allowed.

quart-size bag with contents
Understanding how big a quart-size bag is can significantly enhance your travel experience. Photo: @Artico (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Understanding the size of your luggage and containers is crucial when preparing for air travel, especially when complying with TSA regulations. A quart-size bag allows travellers to pack essential toiletries without exceeding the TSA's liquid limits. So, what are the ideal quart-size bag measurements?

What is a quart-sized bag?

A quart-sized bag is a clear, resealable plastic bag that complies with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations for carrying liquids in carry-on luggage. It is designed to hold containers of liquids, gels, and aerosols every 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or smaller.

What goes in a quart-size bag while flying?

Read also

Can you bring makeup on a plane? Tips to fly with your makeup

According to TSA guidelines, liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes must be in a quart-sized bag. Additionally, this security body directs individuals to have all these essentials in 100 ml (3.04 ounces) or fewer containers.

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

How big is a quart-size bag for TSA?

The ideal quart-size bag dimensions are 6 inches by 9 inches. According to an Ask TSA interaction on the official TSA X (formerly Twitter) account, travellers are recommended to carry a 6x9-sized bag;

As long as the toiletry bag is the approximate dimensions of a quart-sized bag (6" x 9"), 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.

However, there is no harm in exceeding this size by a little dimension as the security personnel do not necessarily take the actual measurements of the bag.

Read also

Can you take toothpaste on a plane? Tips to pack it right!

What are the TSA quart-size bag rules?

Specific set rules govern the usage of TSA-approved quart-size bags. Below is a detailed breakdown of some of these guidelines;

  • Every traveller can bring only one quart-sized bag in their carry-on luggage.
  • Gels, sprays, and aerosols should be in containers of not more than 100ml (3.04 ounces)
  • Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.
  • Passengers must remove the quart-sized bag from their carry-on luggage and place it in a separate bin for screening at security checkpoints.
quart-size bag with contents
A quart-size bag is designed to hold containers of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Photo by Krisblackphotography
Source: Getty Images

What is the size of a quart-size bag in litres?

A quart-sized bag holds approximately 0.946 litres. To ensure proper measurements, multiply the length by the width by the depth.

After your calculations, you should end up with 57.75 cubic inches, equivalent to 0.946 litres or one quart. This measurement is helpful for travellers, especially when adhering to TSA regulations regarding transporting liquids in carry-on luggage.

Read also

Can you take deodorant on a plane? Dos and don'ts, and packing tips

What is the size of a quart-size bag in cm?

A quart-sized bag typically measures approximately 15.2 cm by 22.9 cm (approximately 6 inches by 9 inches), an acceptable size for TSA-approved bags.

However, some sources mention variations like 17.8 cm by 20.3 cm (about 7 inches by 8 inches) in dimensions. The key is that the bag should be able to hold around 0.946 litres and comply with TSA regulations for carrying liquids during air travel.

Is a sandwich bag a quart?

Sandwich bags need to be quart-sized. A standard quart-sized bag typically measures about 6 inches by 9 inches, while a sandwich bag is around 6.5 inches by 6.5 inches. This size difference means a sandwich bag holds less volume than a quart-sized bag since it is relatively smaller.

Travel toiletries in Quart bag
A quart-sized bag is a reliable companion for travellers looking to streamline their carry-on items. Photo by Krisblackphotography
Source: Getty Images

How many bottles can you fit in a quart-size bag?

A quart-size bag typically holds ten or more travel-size bottles, each 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) or smaller. The number of bottles in a quart-sized bag largely depends on their size.

Read also

Can you take cologne on a plane? Must-know guidelines you should follow

How strict is the quart-size bag?

TSA allows only one quart-sized bag per person. Additionally, items in 100 ml or less containers can only be fit into the bag.

How do you tell if your bag has the correct quart-size bag measurements?

According to the TSA guidelines, the approximate dimensions of a quart-size bag are 6 inches by 9 inches. So, ensure you have the correct measurements of your bag and that it is made of clear polythene to enhance better inspection at a glance while at the airport's inspection point.

How many 100ml containers can you take on a plane?

There is no set number of 100 ml (3.04 ounces) maximum containers you can bring in your carry-on luggage. However, individuals are advised to fit their 100 ml containers in their quart-sized bags and ensure they can be sealed or closed correctly.

What is a quart-size Ziploc bag?

Read also

Carry-on vs personal item: Key differences for your next flight

A quart-sized Ziploc bag is a clear, resealable plastic bag that complies with TSA regulations for carrying liquids in carry-on luggage. It is designed to allow TSA agents to inspect the contents quickly without opening the bag, facilitating quicker security checks.

The typical dimensions of a quart-sized bag are approximately 7 inches by 8 inches (about 17.8 cm by 20.3 cm). This is slightly bigger than the recommended 6 inches by 9 inches size, but it may not cause any issues with security personnel.

quart-size bag
Understanding the size of your luggage and containers is crucial when preparing for air travel, especially when complying with TSA regulations. Photo by Zianlob
Source: Getty Images

What is the 3-1-1 rule?

The TSA regulates what liquids, aerosols, creams, and gels people can bring in their carry-on luggage. The rule states that only 3.04 ounces or smaller containers fitted inside a one-quart bag are permitted per person.

What happens if you do not adhere to the 3-1-1 rule?

If you do not comply with TSA's 3-1-1 rule, you may be forced to fit your items in your checked-in luggage. However, this may only happen if you pack your liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. On the other hand, prohibited items will be confiscated by the security personnel.

Read also

Can you bring nail clippers on a plane? A handy guide for travellers

How big is a quart-size bag? Understanding how big a quart-size bag is can significantly enhance your travel experience. It ensures you comply with TSA regulations while efficiently organizing your essentials. This versatile bag is a reliable companion for travellers looking to streamline their carry-on items.

READ ALSO: Can you take deodorant on a plane? Dos and don'ts, and packing tips

Briefly.co.za published an article about taking deodorant on a plane. While deodorants are everyday travel essentials, the TSA enforces specific rules for what you can carry to ensure flight safety.

Travel-sized products, including liquid, gel, and aerosol antiperspirants, offer a practical way to quickly navigate airport security. Discover the dos and don'ts when carrying deodorant on a plane.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Bennett Yates avatar

Bennett Yates (Lifestyle writer) Bennett Yates is a content creator with over five years of working experience in journalism and copywriting. He graduated from the University of Nairobi (2017) with a Bachelor's in Information Technology. In 2023, Bennett finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. He started working for Briefly in 2019. You can reach him via email at bennetyates@gmail.com.

Tags:
USA