Right, the policy in the US is somewhat strange but generally it's one carry on and a "personal" item which can be a suitcase, small backpack, purse, etc. I've never had trouble with my laptop/camera messenger bag and the bazooka as my carryons but if it were a much more cramped/smaller plane then that could be an issue (so far it's been fine on all regional jets and puddle jumpers I've been on).

