Question:

Does the FAA (or some other govt. body) set the rule for 1 + 1 bags (1 carryon + 1 personal) or is this the airline?

It has always been my understanding that this is the airline - otherwise any time you fly say CX or SQ F and they let you bring a few bags, the airline is breaking the law. Obviously not the case.

Got into an argument with several AA agents last month who told me the 1 + 1 rule was an "FAA regulation."