100 Dollars A Day

How To Avoid Surprise Baggage Fees Abroad

By Clara Ritger,

Sep 23, 2025   —   6 min read

AdviceFlying
A red taxi in Hong Kong with an open trunk and three large suitcases that are hanging out the back.

Summary

Learn how baggage rules differ around the world — and how to dodge surprise fees on carry-ons and checked bags when flying internationally.

Guess what? Everything is bigger in America.

Including the baggage allowances.

I learned this one the hard way, so you don't have to.

A GIF of a guy carrying a green backpack the size of a dinosaur on a trade show floor.
I have back problems just looking at this guy.

Here's everything you need to know about the difference in weight, size, and price of carry-on and checked baggage in the U.S. vs. abroad.

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