Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
Soon after takeoff a strong odor filled the cabin. Smelled of exhaust and dirty wet carpet or boots/socks. Passengers were complaining about the odor asking what it was. The A Flight Attendant (FA) notified the flight deck; I went to sit next to her at the forward jump seat. Dissipated after 5-10 minutes. Captain decided to return to ZZZ and made an announcement to inform the passengers that we were doing so. While descending and returning; odor/fumes returned. Was very strong in the mid cabin area where I was seated as the C FA at the 2R door near row 9. My nose burned and started running.
Airbus A320 series Flight Attendant reported their flight returned to departure airport after a strong odor filled the cabin.