Somewhat similar question.. I was able to get a cheap F award (via UA miles) for my mother on AI's DEL-ORD non-stop for mid october.. Want to book BLR-DEL connecting but will be two separate tickets.. Ok to book AI J but will they through check the bags from BLR even if on two separate tickets? Would dearly want that.. if not going to happen, will obviously book UK.. any previous experiences?