Originally Posted by
Matthew_DC
RE: interlining - understood - the only experience I recall about interlining between two alliances with two separate tickets
Please note that the term "interlining" can only correctly be used if all flights are issued on the same ticket. When airlines collaborate in a manner that allows their flights to be combined on a single ticket, then it is reasonable to assume that they would check bags through, which in this specific instance is called "interlining".
What you want here is for the first airline to check your bag through onto your second ticket.
When you are travelling on separate tickets, you can of course ask for bags to be checked through, but there is absolutely no obligation on the airlines to do so, even if it is technically possible. In fact, many airlines which would previously have done so no longer will. The downstream airline has no idea you are self-connecting and will not be expecting a checked bag if you do not check one in yourself at the check-in at that downstream airport. This means that the chances are much higher that the second airline will actually not load your bag. If you manage to have Garuda tag your bag through onto JAL, you would be well advised to ensure that you report to a JAL ground agent at the earliest opportunity at the "connection" airport, showing them your luggage tag and onward boarding pass, and alerting them to the fact that a bag is being transferred onto them unexpectedly.
But you must be prepared to accept that your bag may not be checked through. When you travel on separate tickets, you are taking on all the responsibility of meeting the check-in and boarding deadlines of all flights on the separate tickets, even if the earlier flight is delayed (or cancelled! Or diverted!) and retrieving your luggage at your self-connection point (what if your bag goes missing! You'll have to stick around and file a missing bag report before departing on your next flight!), which means leaving enough time to cover most delays, slow/delayed baggage collection, slow immigration procedures, etc etc
Plan pessimistically, when you are self-connecting. 2h10 sounds very very very tight for comfort, and I would definitely not attempt this connection with checked luggage. If GA refuses to check your bag through - which is the most likely outcome - then you will miss your onward flight from NRT, as there is no way you will manage to get landside with your luggage in time to meet the check-in deadline of that second flight.