Hi- my apologies if the questions have been asked many times before, but I really appreciate any advice or shared experiences on AF to AF baggage checking though with separate tickets.

I just booked separate flights (JFK to CDG AF11, CDG to PEK AF382) both with AF on Dec 13 due to last-minute change in plans. The two flights give me around 8 hour overlay time. AF website said I'll need to recheck my baggage for separate tickets, but I did my research and don't think I have enough time to apply a Schengen visa for immigration clear now. My plan is to only stay in CDG international area where I don't need a visa. I've found many posts saying no issues to check through with separate tickets. But I also called AF, they said no guarantee and advised to check with JFK for baggage check through.

My questions are:

• What can I do or say at JFK to increase the chances that my baggage will be checked through to my final destination?
• If I can't check my baggage through, will I be unable to transit without a Schengen visa, and what are my options in that case?

Any tips, advice, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

updates: called AF again and someone kindly helped to link the tickets
Update at JFK: AF sales helped to put the two tickets together. Baggage checked thought my final destination. Thank you all for your help!