About 25 years ago on a beautiful sunny day in business class aboard a United 777 from ORD to IAD. What could possibly go wrong? There was a ground stop for flights heading to the east coast due to WX. Our plane sat on the ground for about 8 hours before returning to the gate because the crew timed out. At least we fortunates up front got some sandwiches. The folks in back got zip. Some 4 hours into the delay, it was announced that drinks and cocktails would be comped.
The crew gave pax the option of disembarking with the caveat that the checked baggage would be continuing to the final destination. Eventually, the flight left about an hour after returning to the gate.
My wife was recovering from back surgery and chose the option to leave. When I hesitated, I got the look that husbands dread and decided to join her. I caught another flight the next morning - by myself.
Apparently, this delay was a big deal as it made major newspapers and I heard about it on the radio. I seem to recall that some legislator may have introduced legislation on a passenger bill of rights regarding the amount of time passengers could be held on a plane.