Were you wrong to 'cut' the line. I don't think so - normally, if we are running late for boarding, usually because of a tight connection (or sometimes to get a diaper change for our infant prior to boarding) we usually just go through the G1 lane and go through. Sometimes, the next G3 pax even stops to let us through.

As for the does that situation happen much, surely not, and I hope not. While I understand the need to get a flight out during a short opening in the weather, they shouldn't be literally leaving people in the Jetway. It's actually pretty unprofessional. And probably an example of why UA gets such low rankings on those customer satisfaction surveys. Imagine getting boarded, only to find out the FAs had closed the door by the time you get to the plane.

Not to mention - how did a proper manifest get on board when they closed the door, leaving 'boarded' passengers that didn't get on - definitely a mess to solve. and while I'm not an expert on FAA/DOT regulations, probably a violation somewhere if the manifest contained errors like folks on it that weren't onboard. Maybe there's a technological solution where they can resend electronically to the crew, but still.

Also, I'm assuming those left on the jetway (and presumably) boarding lanes weren't proactively offered IDB compensation, but seems to me It is due if they were at the boarding gate ready to board and had the door closed on them. I'm sure for those onboard, it was great to get to IAH - not so much for those stranded who probably are waiting for several flights before they can find an available seat.

Also, sounds to me like an unintended consequence of the 3 hour Tarmac rule. In the old days before those rules, SOP, at least IME, was to board folks on time, pull out and have the plane wait in a holding area until there was an opportunity to go. Sounds like it would have helped in this situation, as everyone would have been on board and it would only take a couple of minutes from word they could leave until they actually would have been able to. I've had this happen several times at airports like ORD. Personally, for me, never more than 1 - 1.5 hours, but now the airlines are scared due to the fines involved if they can't get out or find a gate to return to in time.

In my eyes, this was not the right decision to leave folks who wanted to get to IAH, just like everyone else who was on the plane.