Thanks to The Family Vacation Critic for these great packing tips.

Regardless of your packing prowess, in the rush to prepare for a family vacation, mistakes can easily be made. But if you plan, stay organized and anticipate your family’s needs on the plane, you can avoid making these common carry-on errors.

Not Checking Your Liquids/Powders: It’s a sad day when you watch your favorite face cream get trashed at the airport because it was slightly over the size limit. Make sure shampoos, soaps and gels are all under 3.4 oz. or 100 ml. If not, consider stashing some of your favorites for your trip in silicone refillable travel containers. Silicone makes it easy to squeeze out every drop and the wide openings are simple to fill.

Don’t forget the new TSA rule: Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz. / 350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, the TSA encourages you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz. in checked bags and we recommend keeping them in their original packaging.

Forgetting an Outfit Change: You just never know.  Having some extra clothes is useful for both adults and children when there is a mishap.

Not Having the Right Size Carry-on: Make sure carry-on luggage is as small as possible, so it fits underneath the seat. If the plane is full and they start to gate check carry-on bags, yours will still make it on the plane with you.

Not Bringing Snacks: Flights can be delayed, or hunger can sneak up, especially with little ones in tow. Airport snacks can be expensive and it’s easy to gravitate towards unhealthy food.  Check out https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/food for food that is allowed through security.

Forgeting Non-Screen Entertainment: Colored pencils, stickers, small toys, whatever your child is into — bring small and new toys to keep them entertained without the blue light and noise of electronics. Recommendations include Wikki Stix, washable markers and reusable stickers.

Not Separating Your Toiletries: Nothing is worse than sunscreen that has spilled inside your bag. Keep liquids separated and safe in waterproof bags and in leakproof bottles.  We double bag!

Not Protecting Your Jewelry: Jewelry organizers can help keep your belongings from getting tangled or crushed.

Not Having Enough Reading Material: Plane rides are the perfect time to catch up on your reading. Don’t lug loads of magazines or limit yourself to just a few novels. Instead, pack an e-reader and almost anything you want to read is at your fingertips and in a lightweight device (or even your cell phone). Download a few choices in advance, but you also can buy a new title when someone raves about it on the beach chair next to you.