I can't vouch for the accuracy but back in the '80s and '90s, I've heard of passengers getting dumped far away from their destination with no onward transportation. Sometime in '88/'89 someone going to GEG was dumped quite far away (as in SEA or LC far). She claimed the airline (probably NW) said that was the end of their obligation. Another friend said either her or a relative was flying from RNO to SJC. The flight (QQ?) diverted to somewhere further (LAX) where they were dumped.