American airline international connecting flight baggage fees? please help?

Hi, I am flying to Hong Kong in May. my first flight is from MCO Florida to NY with american airline. Then connect to cathay to Hong Kong. Do i have to pay the baggage fee for american airline? the website says within US will charge 25 for the first and 35 for second baggage. However it says 2 free checked baggages to/through/from Asia. So do i have to pay? Do i considered trying within US or to Asia? thanks much!!!