Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag. But, and this is a big but, the size and weight of these bags can vary depending on the airline. So, if you're planning on bringing two carry-on bags, you might want to check with your airline first, or you could end up having to gate check one of them.
Now, I know what you're thinking, what's the difference between a carry-on and a personal item? Well, a personal item is usually smaller, like a purse or backpack, and is meant to fit under the seat in front of you. A carry-on, on the other hand, is typically larger and goes in the overhead bin. But, don't even get me started on the overhead bin drama – it's like a real-life game of Tetris up there.