Just to add another observation related to the baggage issue. On flights to the US, even if you checked your baggage through to a final destination beyond your first entry point into the US, you will have to claim your baggage off the belt at your first entry point and pass customs. Ordinarily, you would then immediately return the baggage to the airline at a recheck desk -- but there is absolutely nothing preventing you from keeping it with you and walking out of the airport. So you needn't worry about not being able to check baggage if you were planning on skipping this last leg.