Originally Posted by
jp12687
flights can’t fly with luggage onboard without a passanger
Specifically, because this was an international flight, and the passengers deplaned
voluntarily, positive passenger-bag match (PPBM) applies, and they have to leave the plane. The airline is free to transport your bags without you, provided that it's for their convenience, not yours.
(Also, there is no PPBM on domestic flights, as the fact that each bag is screened via x-ray is considered sufficient. Please don't ask why that's sufficient for flying from EWR to SFO but not from EWR to BRU
).
Sorry to hear about your experience. I would have been livid at the third group of passengers also.