A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation - Speed All Types; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
In cruise at FL330 the Lead Flight Attendant called the cockpit and reported 'plastic smelling' fumes in the mid and aft cabins; approximately row 17 forward to row 12. I monitored the conversation on the cabin interphone as well. Very shortly the fumes made their way to the cockpit and the Captain called for O2 Masks ON. I was directed to continue flying and handle ATC after the Captain declared an emergency. As we were nearly at the ETP (equal time point) we decided our destination was the best option for landing. I requested lower altitude and landing south (our last ATIS had the airport landing north). We were cleared direct to the airport. While the Captain ran the QRH a call from the flight attendants reported the smell had dissipated but; shortly after that; the acrid fumes came back and we continued with O2 Masks ON to landing. The flight attendants reported passenger's eyes irritated and burning. We maintained 330-340 KIAS until 6;000 feet at which time I slowed accordingly to make a normal approach and landing. Once on the ground; the emergency was terminated and we proceeded to our assigned gate.
An A320 flight crew declared an emergency and expedited their arrival to their destination when acrid fumes were reporter in the cabin and subsequently in the cockpit as well. After landing no evacuation was made and the passengers deplaned via a jetway at the gate.