The Official TSA Quart Size Bag Dimensions: 5 Crucial Updates You Must Know For 2025 Travel

Planning your next flight in late 2024 or 2025? The one-quart, clear, resealable bag is the most critical component of the TSA's (Transportation Security Administration) famous 3-1-1 liquids rule, yet its exact specifications remain one of the most confusing parts of airport security. While the core rule remains, the reality of enforcement and new technology at major US airports is changing the game, making your travel experience easier—if you know the latest updates. This guide breaks down the official, though often unstated, dimensions for the TSA quart size bag and reveals the newest exemptions that could save you a pre-flight scramble at the security checkpoint today, December 17, 2025.

The "quart size" is less about a precise measurement in inches and more about a volume limit, but understanding the accepted dimensions is essential to ensure your carry-on liquids pass through security without a hitch. Stick to the common, accepted size, and you'll sail through the checkpoint, especially as new scanning technology offers more flexibility for frequent flyers.

The Official TSA Quart Size Bag Dimensions and the 3-1-1 Rule Explained

The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule is the foundation for carrying liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on luggage. The rule’s components are simple:

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• 3: Each liquid container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
• 1: All containers must fit within one clear, plastic, resealable bag.
• 1: Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag.

The Unofficial-Official Quart Bag Dimensions

The TSA does not publish a single, rigid dimension in inches. Instead, they focus on the volume: one US quart, which is approximately 57.75 cubic inches. However, based on industry standards, Ziploc products, and consistent advice from the TSA’s own social media channels, two dimensions are universally accepted as compliant:

• 7 x 8 inches: This is the most common size for standard quart-sized Ziploc-style bags.
• 6 x 9 inches: This dimension is also widely cited and has been recommended by the TSA's AskTSA service.

Pro-Tip: The key word is "resealable." If your bag is clear, plastic, and can be completely zipped or sealed shut with all your 3.4 oz containers inside, you are compliant. It is the ability to easily fit and seal the bag that matters most to the security officer, not whether it is exactly 7.0 inches wide.

5 Crucial Updates to the 3-1-1 Rule for 2025 Travel

While the 3-1-1 rule is a federal regulation that no airline can waive, its enforcement is evolving due to the introduction of advanced security technology. New CT (Computed Tomography) scanners at many major US airports are changing how security officers screen carry-on bags, leading to significant flexibility for travelers.

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1. The Clear Bag Requirement is Softening (At Some Airports)

At airports equipped with the latest CT scanners, the requirement to place your liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag and remove it from your carry-on is reportedly being relaxed. While the liquids must still be 3.4 oz or less and fit into an area equivalent to a quart-sized bag, the physical act of using a clear bag and taking it out is less strictly enforced. This change aims to speed up the screening process. Always check with your specific airport, but be prepared for this new flexibility.

2. The New List of 11 Exempted Liquid Items

In a major development, the TSA has approved a list of specific liquid items that are now exempt from the standard 3-1-1 rule, allowing you to pack them in larger sizes in your carry-on. This exemption is primarily for medically necessary and essential items. You must declare these items to a TSA officer for inspection.

The most common exemptions include:

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• Prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquid, gel, or aerosol form).
• Breast milk, formula, and juice for infants and toddlers.
• Water or juice for a passenger with a disability or medical condition.
• Liquids needed to cool medically necessary items (e.g., ice packs or gel packs).
• Life-sustaining equipment and related liquids (e.g., IV bags).

Always notify the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids exceeding 3.4 oz at the start of the screening process.

3. Defining What Counts as a "Liquid" Under TSA Rules

A common traveler mistake is assuming only watery substances count. The TSA defines a liquid, gel, cream, or aerosol as anything that can be spread, squeezed, smeared, sprayed, or poured. This means items you might not consider liquids must go into your quart-size bag, including:

• Lip gloss, liquid foundation, and mascara.
• Toothpaste and shaving cream.
• Aerosol deodorants and hairspray.
• Peanut butter, hummus, and soft cheeses (if they are spreadable).

4. The Rise of Reusable and Stand-Up Quart Bags

To reduce plastic waste and increase durability, many travelers are opting for reusable, clear, PVC or silicone quart-sized bags. These bags are perfectly compliant as long as they are transparent and resealable. Stand-up designs can be particularly useful as they maximize the usable volume within the quart limit, allowing you to fit more travel-sized containers.

5. Packing Strategy: Maximizing Your Quart Bag Space

Since you are limited to one quart-size bag, smart packing is essential for longer trips. Here are two expert strategies to maximize space:

• Use the Full Volume: Don't use a half-empty bag. Pack your containers tightly and use the full depth of the bag. The quart limit is about volume, not just the flat dimensions.
• Decant into Tubes, Not Jars: Decanting your liquids into soft, squeezable silicone tubes is often more space-efficient than using small, rigid plastic jars.
• Switch to Solids: For items like shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and body wash, switch to solid bar forms. These do not count as liquids and can be packed freely in your main carry-on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on TSA Liquid Rules

Do Ziploc bags count as a TSA-approved quart size bag?

Yes, absolutely. A standard Ziploc quart-size freezer or storage bag is the most common and accepted form of the TSA-approved liquid bag. They are clear, resealable, and meet the volume requirement.

Can I bring two quart-size bags if I travel with a friend?

No. The rule is strictly "one quart-size bag per passenger." You cannot carry a bag for another adult passenger. However, you can carry a bag for a child or infant traveling with you.

What happens if my liquid container is 4 ounces?

If a liquid container is even slightly over the 3.4-ounce (100 ml) limit, it will be confiscated by the TSA officer at the security checkpoint. The container size is what matters, not the amount of liquid inside. Always check the label before packing.