A321
Physiological - Other
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General Physical Injury / Incapacitation; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
We were making an extended descent when I was notified by Flight Attendant (FA) C and FA K that there was an extremely foul odor that was detected in the section of the aircraft; from approximately row 18 to the back galley. They were also experiencing a burning sensation in their nasal passages; metallic taste in their mouths; congestion in the throat; headaches that came on quite suddenly. FA-A; myself; proceeded to the back galley; after detecting the same odor & beginning to feel same effects; I went to forward galley & reported all to Captain by interphone. FA-B had been in the forward galley when all of this was reported. This call occurred about 5;500 feet before landing. After passengers deplaned; Captain called for maintenance & we reported to him what happened and when it occurred. Captain then advised us that the company requested he perform an engine check; running engines for 5 min; with the door closed & the mechanic on board - to see if the odor would duplicate itself. All FAs remained on board in first class area. During this test; mechanic detected the same odor & began experiencing the same ill effects that we had felt. After Captain consulted with the company; we were advised that he would have to do another engine check; much longer than the first. We chose to deplane during this second check & go into the terminal. FAs returned to the aircraft and we were told that the 2nd check did NOT produce the odor that was detected earlier. Captain made sure that we could safely function to perform our duties for a return flight before the passengers started to board. Boarding was completed and mechanics remained on board in the cockpit; conferring with the pilots; for quite some time. Myself; FA-A; FA-C and FA-K were still experiencing symptoms & ill effects on Flt back; but felt that we could make the flight; & we arrived at destination without further incidents. As of today; I continue to experience the symptoms of this exposure to the odor/fumes that I was exposed to.
A321 lead Flight Attendant is informed by another Flight Attendant of an extremely foul odor in the aft part of the cabin. The two aft galley Flight Attendants state they are experiencing burning sensations in their nasal passages; metallic taste in their mouths; congestion in the throat and headaches that came on quite suddenly. After landing maintenance is able to resolve the issue for the return flight.