My apologies in advance - I'm sure this has been covered but my search results aren't helping...

I'm flying PHX-ORD//ORD-IND//IND-ORD//ORD-DEN-PHX. That's a r/t from PHX-ORD and a r/t ORD-IND, each r/t on a different ticket.

On the outbound, PHX-ORD//ORD-IND, I'd love to through-check my bag in PHX. It's TED to ORD and UAEx to IND. Is this possible?

On the return, again, I'd love to through-check my bag. I've got a nine hour layover in ORD to deal with passport issues and don't want to haul a carry-on around downtown Chicago. Would they let me through-check in IND in the morning, or will I have to go down to baggage claim in ORD and hope for the best? I understand UA in ORD is not likely to allow early check-in, leaving my only option the Hilton, lockers (if there are any), or carrying my bag around.

I did find this article, but I'm not particularly comfortable lying to the Hilton in order to keep a bag there...

Sorry for the stupid questions - I haven't flown UA in exactly one year and rarely ever have to check a bag, especially on a multi-ticket itinerary. On the plus side, it looks like ORD-DEN is an internationally-configured 777 and that little 1,000 mile certificate you get with the credit card will let me enjoy a two hour ride in business class.

Thanks in advance for any advice or information!

Sean