You're standing in the humidity of a Queens August. The sound of the 7 train is screeching in the distance. You've spent a small fortune on tickets to see a night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Then, you reach the front of the line at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and a security guard points at your backpack.
"Too big," they say.
It happens. A lot. Honestly, the US Open bag policy is one of those things fans try to skim over until they’re actually at the gate, sweating under the sun, realizing they have to trek all the way back to a storage locker or, worse, their car in a distant lot. This isn't just about safety; it’s about throughput. With over 700,000 people descending on the grounds over two weeks, the USTA has turned gate entry into a science, and your oversized tote bag is the variable they don't want to deal with.
If you want to get through the gates without a headache, you need to understand the specifics. This isn't a suggestion. It's the law of the grounds.
The One Bag Rule and Why It Trips People Up
The core of the US Open bag policy is simple: each person is allowed exactly one bag. That sounds straightforward, right? But here is where it gets tricky for families or people carrying camera gear.
The USTA defines a bag strictly. This includes purses, backpacks, and drawstring bags. If you are carrying a small clutch and a separate tote for your souvenirs, you’re technically over the limit. You’ve got to consolidate. Everything must fit into that single permitted container.
The dimensions are the real killer. Your bag cannot exceed 12”W x 12”H x 16”L.
Think about that for a second. That is not a standard hiking backpack. Most North Face or JanSport bags you’d use for school or a day trip are going to push those limits, especially on the length. If your bag looks "stuffed," security is more likely to break out the measuring tape. It’s better to go smaller than you think you need. Or, quite frankly, just bring a clear bag even though it isn't strictly mandated like it is at NFL stadiums. It speeds things up immensely because the guards can see your sunscreen and extra socks without digging through your personal business.
Prohibited Items: Beyond the Obvious
Everyone knows you can't bring a weapon. That's a given. But the US Open bag policy and general prohibited items list includes things that catch regular commuters off guard every single year.
Hard-sided coolers? Absolutely not. You might want to keep your water ice-cold for five hours, but you'll be tossing that cooler in the trash or walking it back to a locker. Glass bottles are also a massive no-go. If you bring a glass bottle of high-end sparkling water, prepare to chug it or dump it. Even certain types of metal canisters can be iffy if they look like they could be used as a projectile, though standard reusable water bottles (hydro-flasks and the like) are generally okay as long as they are empty upon entry.
Then there is the tech.
Laptops are banned. Don't try to "work from the Open" unless you have a media credential. If you show up with a MacBook in your bag, security will turn you away. They view them as a security risk and a distraction. Tablets like iPads are usually fine, but leave the heavy computing power at home.
And for the love of everything, leave the "selfie sticks" and long professional camera lenses behind. If your camera lens is longer than 6 inches or looks like something a Sports Illustrated photographer would use, it won't clear the gate. The USTA is very protective of their broadcast rights and professional photography. They don't want amateur's clogging up the aisles with tripods or massive glass.
The Secret of the Storage Lockers
So, what happens if you mess up? Maybe you came straight from the office or the airport.
There are storage lockers available, but they aren't inside the gates. They are located outside the East Gate and South Gate entrances. They aren't free, and they aren't cheap. In past years, the pricing has hovered around $5 to $10 per bag, depending on size.
Honestly, the lockers are a lifesaver, but they are a massive time-sink. During the peak entry times—around 10:30 AM for the day session or 6:00 PM for the night session—the line for the lockers can be thirty people deep. You will miss the coin toss. You might miss the entire first set of a match on Court 17.
If you are taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the 7 train, double-check your shoulder. If you feel a heavy strap, ask yourself if that bag is worth an extra 40 minutes of standing in a secondary line.
Alcohol, Food, and the "Sealed Bottle" Myth
You can bring food into the US Open. This is a common misconception where people think it's like a movie theater. You can pack a sandwich. You can pack some pretzels. Just make sure they are in a soft-sided container that fits within that 12x12x16 bag limit.
📖 Related: Who's the Favorite in the Kentucky Derby: Why Ted Noffey is the Horse to Beat
However, you cannot bring in your own alcohol. This is strictly enforced. If they find a flask or a can of beer in your bag, they will confiscate it. They want you buying the $22 Honey Deuce—the tournament's signature cocktail. It’s a revenue thing, sure, but it’s also a safety and liability issue.
Regarding water: you can bring in one factory-sealed plastic water bottle (up to 1 liter). If the seal is broken, they might make you pour it out. There are hydration stations throughout the grounds, especially near the grandstand and the practice courts, so bringing an empty reusable bottle is actually the pro move. It stays cooler than a plastic bottle anyway.
Why the Rules Keep Changing
Security protocols at major sporting events are fluid. The US Open bag policy evolves based on global security climates and feedback from local law enforcement like the NYPD. After various global events, you might notice more aggressive wanding or the introduction of more sophisticated X-ray machines.
In recent years, the shift toward "contactless" security has accelerated. You might not even have to take everything out of your bag if you're passing through one of the newer Evolv-style scanners that can differentiate between a set of keys and a prohibited item. But don't bet on it. Usually, you still have to open every zipper.
A Note on Aerosols and Sunscreen
It’s hot in Flushing. You need sunscreen. But if you bring an aerosol spray can, you might run into trouble. Most years, the policy fluctuates on whether "large" aerosol cans are allowed. Smaller, travel-sized ones are usually fine, but the safer bet is always cream or lotion. Not only is it better for the people sitting next to you (nobody wants to inhale a cloud of SPF 50 while trying to watch a tiebreak), but it’s also guaranteed to get through security without a second look.
Handling the "Commuter" Problem
A lot of fans attend the US Open directly from work in Manhattan. This is where the laptop ban and the bag size limit really hurt. If you have a professional briefcase or a laptop bag, you are almost guaranteed to be over the 12x12x16 limit.
The USTA is very aware of this. They don't care.
The policy is applied to everyone, regardless of whether you’re a corporate executive with a suite or a student in the nosebleeds. If you must work during the day, your best bet is to use a luggage storage service in Penn Station or Grand Central before you head out to Queens. It’s much easier to drop your bag in Manhattan than to deal with the chaos of the onsite lockers at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
💡 You might also like: Liga Mexicana Posiciones 2025: Why the Table Still Matters Right Now
Actionable Steps for a Smooth Entry
To ensure you don't spend your day arguing with a security guard, follow these specific steps before you leave your house or hotel:
- Measure your bag empty. A bag that is 16 inches long when flat can easily bulge to 18 inches when stuffed with a hoodie and three water bottles. Use a ruler. Don't eyeball it.
- Consolidate for the gate. If you have a small crossbody bag for your phone and a separate bag for your lunch, put the crossbody inside the larger bag before you hit the front of the line. One person, one bag.
- Empty your metal bottles. If you're bringing a Yeti or a Hydro-flask, drink the water while you're in the security line. They will let the empty bottle through, but a full one often triggers a manual inspection that slows everyone down.
- Stick to "soft" items. If your bag is soft-sided, it can be squished into the sizing bins if a guard gets picky. A hard-sided bag or a rigid backpack offers zero flexibility.
- Check the "Forbidden Five". Before you reach the metal detector, make sure you don't have: 1) A laptop, 2) A GoPro with a long stick, 3) An aerosol spray can, 4) A glass bottle, or 5) Anything that could be considered a "noise maker" (yes, that includes air horns).
The reality of the US Open bag policy is that it is designed to move tens of thousands of people through a bottleneck as fast as possible. If you make yourself an easy target for a quick pass-through, you’ll be sitting courtside with a cold drink while everyone else is still arguing about the dimensions of their backpack on the other side of the fence. Stay light, stay soft-sided, and keep the electronics to a minimum.
Key Takeaway: The 12x12x16 inch limit is the most important number you need to remember. If you stay under that and leave the laptop at home, you've won half the battle before the first serve is even hit.