✈️ TSA 3-1-1 Rule: 3.4oz (100ml) containers • 1 quart-sized bag • 1 bag per passenger. This applies to ALL liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes in carry-on luggage.
What Is a Quart Size Bag?
A quart size bag is the clear, resealable bag TSA requires for your carry-on liquids under the 3-1-1 rule. Every liquid, gel, aerosol, cream, or paste in 3.4oz (100ml) containers must fit inside this single bag. A TSA-compliant quart size bag must be:
- Size: 1 quart / ~1 liter (approximately 7" x 8" or 6" x 9")
- Material: Clear plastic
- Closure: Resealable (zip-top)
- Quantity: 1 per passenger in carry-on
💡 Pro Tip: Regular Ziploc quart bags work perfectly and are TSA-approved! No need to buy an expensive "TSA-approved" quart size bag unless you want extra durability.
Best Quart Size Bags for TSA
Budget Option: Ziploc Quart Bags
$5 for 24 bags
✅ Cheap, disposable, always TSA-approved
Best Value: Lermende TSA Bag (2-pack)
$8
✅ Durable, reusable, clear PVC
Premium: Sea to Summit TPU Pouch
$15
✅ Ultra-durable, waterproof, eco-friendly
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Budget pick
Ziploc Ziploc Quart Bags
Cheapest option that meets TSA 1-quart sizing; widely available in stores.
~$5 (24 ct)
Best value
Lermende Lermende TSA Bag (2-pack)
Zippered pouches with handles; more durable than disposables for repeat trips.
~$8 (2-pack)
Premium pick
Sea to Summit Sea to Summit TPU Pouch
Fully transparent, submersible and burst-proof; overkill for TSA but ideal for beach and boat trips.
~$15
What Counts as a Liquid for TSA?
These items must go in your quart bag:
Liquids & Gels
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Body wash & lotion
- Face wash & moisturizer
- Sunscreen (liquid/lotion)
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Contact lens solution
- Hair gel/mousse
Aerosols
- Deodorant spray
- Hairspray
- Shaving cream
- Dry shampoo
Creams & Pastes
- Lip balm (if in tube form)
- Mascara
- Liquid foundation
- Cream blush
- Ointments
What Doesn't Need to Go in the Quart Bag?
- ✅ Solid deodorant (stick form)
- ✅ Solid perfume
- ✅ Bar soap
- ✅ Powder makeup
- ✅ Lipstick (solid)
- ✅ Solid sunscreen sticks
- ✅ Medications in pill form
Essential Travel Size Toiletries
Fit all of these in your quart bag:
| Item | Typical Size | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Toothpaste | 3.4oz / 1oz | 2 weeks / 1 week |
| Shampoo | 3oz | 7-10 washes |
| Body Lotion | 3oz | 1 week |
| Sunscreen | 3oz | 3-5 applications |
How to Maximize Your Quart Bag
- Use solid alternatives: Solid shampoo bars, stick deodorant, bar soap
- Transfer to small containers: Buy reusable silicone bottles
- Check your hotel: Most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, lotion
- Buy at destination: Get full-size products after you arrive
- Pack flat containers: Flat containers fit better than round ones
Checked Baggage vs Carry-On for Liquids
The quart size bag and the 3.4oz limit only apply to carry-on. Checked baggage plays by very different rules — here's how the two compare:
| Rule | Carry-On | Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Container size limit | 3.4oz (100ml) each | No limit (aerosols ≤18oz/500ml) |
| Quart size bag required? | ✅ Yes, one per passenger | ❌ Not required |
| Full-size toiletries | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best for | Travel minis you need in-flight | Full-size and extra liquids |
Bottom line: if a liquid is larger than 3.4oz, it belongs in checked baggage. Keep only quart-bag-sized travel minis in your carry-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring 2 quart bags on a plane?
Officially, no. TSA rules state 1 quart bag per passenger in carry-on. However, additional liquids can go in checked luggage without size limits.
Do prescription medications count toward the quart bag?
Prescription medications are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. You can bring liquid medications larger than 3.4oz, but declare them at security for inspection.
Can I bring a gallon bag instead of a quart bag?
No, TSA specifically requires a quart-sized bag (approximately 1 liter). A gallon bag is too large and may be rejected at security.