Originally Posted by Johnnie W
Is it done when the aircraft is to operate a domestic flight next, or is it just a matter of getting the plane to stop somewhere and unload?
Yes. Back in the days when the 06:40 EDI - LHR was operated by a 767 we would often end up at an International gate. It used to depend on how late the flight was. If there was time to disembark the pax and tow it to International then they would but any delays meant steps and a bus tour of LHR.