Originally Posted by
Often1
1. If you miss any segment, the remainder of the itinerary will be cancelled. If you read the COC, you will see that the CSR with whom you spoke does not have the authority to amend the COC. As others note, if you want to be protected, get it in writing.
2. You can't short-check luggage. (And the skycap who "always" checks you in) doesn't have the authority or capacity to force the short-check. You will be directed to a counter agent, where you will be told that it can't be done and your PNR flagged as an attempt at hidden city.
As a former airline employee, the above 2 points are correct. You will not be able to have your luggage "short-checked". Your return reservation will be automatically cancelled. There is no way around this.