I'm going to HKG in one month (UA, from ORD), and I've been hearing that the carry-on policy at the airport is very strict. That is, absolutely only one carry-on item per person, within allowable limits. Does this mean I cannot bring a small rollaway carry-on (the size just slightly smaller than typical max), plus a small shoulder bag? Can anyone clarify this, and share their experiences (if in fact they really are THAT strict)? I'm only going there for four days, and would really really prefer not to have to check in any bags on the way back. I pack light anyway, but I might buy things in HKG that I'll want to bring back in to the US. Thanks in advance.

The thing they are most strict about is the size of the bags. If yours are below "standard" carry-on max size then you should be OK, particularly if you are female and the shoulder bag looks like a handbag.

It may also depend what class you are flying and your status. Not sure if UA do this, but on CX as an Elite they will give you an orange tag to put on your carryon which indicates to the gate wardens that the airline accepts what you are carrying. The gate wardnes detach part of the ornage tag as you pass through.

Dont risk the walk up and down! Even if you are not the Elite member, just ask for the orange tag.
Most bags close to the max allowed size are rejected, because of the handles and wheels. It will then not fit in their rack.
They will also look at the weight and 7kg is max!

Small extra bag (handbag and such) should be possible.

Thanks for the replies.

Hmm, so what I'm gathering is that the policy is enforced, one way or another. I'll see what I can do, but I doubt I'll be able to fit in everything under 7kg!

What is the weather like in HK in early March? Maybe I don't need that many layers of clothing?

A bit unpredictable, but daytime highs probably in the range 20-25 Celsius and nightime lows probably around 15 Celsius. You won't need cold weather clothing beyond a light sweater to cope with some places where the aircon can be a bit fierce.

I can verify this is still happening. Two of us were flying on NWA out of HKG. We had one standard (21"?) carryone rollerboard each, as well as another shoulder bag. The attendants were not interested in the shoulder bags (or the fact that we each had two bags), but wanted us to put our rollerboards in the metal cage. Because of the handle and wheels, the bag didn't fit into the metal cage.
The attendants didn't want to hear that we're flying on a 744 that has AMPLE carry-on storage space, they stated this is HKG airport policy (the dumbest thing I have ever heard!)
We tried being sneaky, by walking from the North security entrance to the South one (which is manned by different attendants), but that attempt bore the same (rejected) fruits...
Lastly, we walked back to the NW counter, and were promptly handed the orange tags.
What's really funny is that once we were through security, we noticed TONS of people with bags that had the orange tags... What's the point anyhow???