In the good old days, we were allowed 2 pieces of luggage with a maximum weight of 70lbs each, but this has snce been decreased to 50 lbs except for certain exceptions. While in other countries, the baggage allowance was by the total weight of one's luggage which made more practical sense, because ultimately, what really matters is the total weight.

Here in the US, isn't the restrictions to the weight of each luggage not to exceed 70 lbs each due to some labor agreement by the airlines with the unions? Well of course nowadays, this may be moot since most airlines have decreased the baggage allowances to 50 lbs/piece. Although certain international destinations have had exceptions, depending on the marketplace.