By aviation writer Scott Mayman

Virgin and Qantas are being called on to keep their club lounges open during flight delays.

The call follows recent incidents in Sydney and Melbourne, in which the last flight of the day to Canberra was delayed, but staff kicked out guests out of the lounge before the final flight was boarding.

The concerns have been raised on social media and in discussion posts on the Australian Frequent Flyer website.

One post says staff announced the passengers on Virgin’s VA291 to Canberra should head to the gate to prepare for boarding, even though the plane’s arrival from a previous flight was delayed.

That was followed by an announcement that the lounge was closed and everyone needed to leave.

One person has suggested that while a flight delay can cost the airline, surely such a goodwill gesture can benefit the airline?

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