EU Directive : Baggage Allowances and Weight Changes.

This Means that Aircraft Carriers will also change the
way your baggage is permitted and weighed.

You should check your with your Travel Agents & Flight Carrier.
The days of over weight bags and extra bags are disappearing fast.

For Example BA Has the following enforcements.
Hand baggage
Checked baggage Baggage tips
Sporting equipment
Excess & unaccompanied baggage
Banned items

I know ive listed BA Advice, but this is constantly subject to change.
If your going on Holiday Check with your Carrier and insist on a Print out
of the current regulations to avoid problems at the airport.

Summary : 1 Bag + Laptop or Briefcase but weight and size limits apply.
Over weight, you will pay for a extra bag.
A bag will not be excepted if its over that weight.
Your going to have to empty it to lower its weight not pay more to allow it. ( I think its a heath and safty thing).

Its never been more important than now to check the new Baggage Rules.
Its not just BA its to come in line with new EU Rules.