Well that really sounds great, but in reality once you touch your bags in some foreign airports, and recheck them in, after customs, you may just be at the mercy of the connecting carrier, and the interpretation of "THEIR RULES".

Quoting a U.S. Dept of transportation reg may just get you absolutely NOTHING (possibly with the exception of a request for an interpreter), even from some Star Pard's!

Been there-done that! Lost some discussions and won a few! Slapped leather when either I paid, or the bags stayed where they were sitting! The RED pointy tag meant absolutely nothing!