Blog · US Open · 31 Jul 2026 · 9 min read · Updated July 31, 2026
US Open 2026 Bag Policy: Size Limit & Prohibited Items
Each US Open guest may bring one bag no larger than 12 × 12 × 16 inches. Standard backpacks are prohibited even when they fit within those dimensions; the stated exception is a single-compartment drawstring bag. Reusable metal or plastic bottles up to 24 ounces are allowed, while glass containers are not.
There is no bag check inside the National Tennis Center. Paid storage is available outside Main Entry and Champions' Gate, but the fastest plan is to arrive with one clearly compliant bag and recheck the official list before travel.
The Bag Rule in Four Checks
Check quantity, shape, dimensions and contents in that order. One small backpack is still a backpack, and a drawstring bag with several compartments may not fit the exception. Measure a soft bag after packing because pockets and overfilling change its external dimensions.
The limit applies to each side, not the combined total: approximately 30.5 × 30.5 × 40.6 cm. Do not assume that airline cabin-bag approval or acceptance in a previous year proves compliance for the 2026 event.
| Item | 2026 rule | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Bag quantity | One per person | Keep small items inside one bag |
| Maximum size | 12 × 12 × 16 in | Measure when fully packed |
| Backpack | Prohibited | Use a smaller permitted bag |
| Drawstring bag | Single compartment exception | Avoid extra pockets |
| Reusable bottle | Metal/plastic, up to 24 oz | No glass |
Backpacks and Drawstring Bags
Laptop, school, hiking and mini backpacks are all risky because the rule addresses the backpack form, not only size. A transparent backpack is not automatically permitted. The published exception is a drawstring bag with one compartment.
Choose a bag comfortably below the maximum, with an opening that makes screening easy. Put loose items in one thin internal pouch rather than carrying several separate cases that might be treated as additional bags.
Water Bottles and Glass
Reusable metal and plastic bottles must be 24 ounces or smaller. The capacity of the container matters even if it is only partly filled. Check the manufacturer's mark instead of estimating by appearance.
Glass bottles and containers are prohibited, including small cosmetic or fragrance containers. Review every item rather than only drinks. If a medical exception may be required, contact the tournament in advance instead of relying on a discussion at the gate.
Computers, Rackets and Camera Equipment
The official list prohibits computers, tennis rackets, selfie sticks, tripods and camera lenses longer than 300 mm. Rackets may have a specific Kids Day exception, but that does not make them acceptable on ordinary tournament days.
Leave expensive equipment at the hotel rather than assuming storage will accept it. A permitted camera can still be subject to restrictions on obstruction or commercial use, so check the current A–Z guide as well as lens length.
- No computers or ordinary tennis rackets
- No selfie sticks or tripods
- No camera lenses over 300 mm
- No glass containers
- Check special medical or event exceptions in advance
Storage and the Final Gate Checklist
The venue has no storage after entry. Paid services outside Main Entry and Champions' Gate can help, but opening hours, price, accepted items and collection queues should be checked on the day. Do not make outside storage the only plan for a suitcase straight from the airport.
The night before, place every item on a table and check it against the live official policy. Recheck anything added in the morning. A smaller bag, permitted bottle, charged phone and mobile ticket are usually enough to move between courts without carrying the trip on your shoulder.
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