A TSA approved bag for liquids is one clear, resealable quart-size bag per passenger, holding containers of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. The TSA sets the volume rather than exact dimensions, and most quart bags measure about 7 × 8 inches. Here are the sizes, the number allowed and the rules in force in October 2026.
What are the dimensions of a TSA approved liquids bag?
A TSA approved liquids bag holds one quart, or about 0.95 liter, which usually means about 7 × 8 inches laid flat. The TSA does not certify bag brands: any clear quart-size bag that closes easily meets the rule.
| Departure region | Bag capacity | Common size | Maximum container |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (TSA) | 1 quart (0.95 l) | About 7 × 8 in (18 × 20 cm) | 3.4 oz (100 ml) |
| European Union | 1 liter | About 8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm) | 100 ml, or 2 liters at some airports |
| United Kingdom | 1 liter | About 8 × 8 in (20 × 20 cm) | 100 ml, or 2 liters at some airports |
A standard 1-liter freezer bag usually works at both US and European airports. Garbelle travel accessories for men are designed around this carry-on format.
How many quart-size bags can you bring in a carry-on?
You can bring one quart-size bag per passenger in your carry-on. That is the last "1" in the TSA 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 oz containers, 1 quart bag, 1 bag per person.
Some liquids travel outside the bag, as long as you declare them at screening.
- Medications you need during the trip, in reasonable quantities.
- Infant formula, breast milk and child nourishment.
- Duty-free liquids bought abroad, in a sealed tamper-evident bag with the receipt.
What goes in the TSA liquids bag?
Anything that pours, spreads or sprays goes in the bag, in containers of 3.4 oz or less. Only the printed capacity counts, even for a half-empty bottle.
- Shower gel, shampoo and lotion.
- Toothpaste, shaving cream and spray deodorant.
- Cologne and aftershave.
- Mascara, lip gloss and liquid foundation.
Choosing the right containers is covered in our guide to TSA approved travel bottles for carry-on.
Do you still need a clear liquids bag in 2026?
Yes, at US airports, where the 3.4 oz limit still applies. Some airports abroad now use new CT scanners, known in Europe as C3, and accept containers up to 2 liters.
- US airports: 3.4 oz limit, and the bag stays inside with TSA PreCheck or in CT lanes.
- London Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Birmingham: containers up to 2 liters.
- Rome Fiumicino: containers up to 2 liters since July 26, 2025.
- Most other European airports: 100 ml containers and a 1-liter bag.
These rules reflect what airports and authorities published as of October 8, 2026. Your return airport sets the rule, so keep a quart-size bag for the flight home.
How do you present the liquids bag at security?
Place the closed bag in a bin, separate from your carry-on, unless you are in a PreCheck or CT lane. Four steps speed things up.
- Pack the bag at the top of your carry-on or in an outside pocket.
- Check before you leave that it closes without forcing.
- Take it out at the same time as your laptop.
- Pick it up right after the scanner, so you do not leave it in the bin.
Which clear bag should you choose for travel bottles?
Choose a clear pouch in the regulation size, with leak-proof bottles under 3.4 oz. The Garbelle carry-on bottle kit includes 4 bottles of 90 ml (3 oz) approved for the cabin and a regulation clear pouch.
- Food-grade BPA-free silicone that squeezes out the last drop.
- Anti-drip valve that limits leaks in flight.
- Wide opening for easy refills.
- 4 colors to tell shampoo, shower gel and lotion apart.
- 41 g (1.4 oz) per bottle, and a zippered pouch.
The 4 bottles add up to 12 oz (360 ml), well within a quart. Garbelle offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if the kit does not suit you. Find it among Garbelle travel accessories for men.
