Originally Posted by
cmoltisanti
For me it's still uncertain whether this was prompted by my status as an arriving J passenger or if it is a standard protocol for incoming passengers that requiring self transfers as I was on separate tickets on separate airlines. As events unfolded, I found myself alone in a limousine bus, as sole passenger, and was eventually met at the other terminal by airline staff who efficiently guided me to my connecting flight.
In theory airside two-ticket, no bags transfers within T1 should be possible - the normal transfer route (usually SV to SV) is well trod. There's certainly an SV transfer desk that can handle printing boarding cards - but I don't know if there is a similar facility for other carriers. Online check-in is unlikely to be successful.
The landside transfer from the Haj terminal would be a bit of a hike, so you ere fortunate to get an airside bus to handle it. Not many carriers use it on a regular basis: PIA is the only one I can think of. North terminal to the Haj one is interesting - you've got a fine mix of airlines!!
Lord knows how they managed to retrieve and re-tag your bags. I think I'd have wanted to go landside to take care of that.
"unorthodox" transfers such as yours are probably quire rare, but not unknown. Still, it's not easy to believe there is an established protocol fo deal with them. My guess is they accommodated you as best they could, and you might face the same huddle and conference before a solution is found on your return.