Date: 201701
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Aircraft: A330
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Climb; Cruise
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Reporter qualification: Flight Attendant Current
Human factors: Physiological - Other
Second reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: In-flight
Result: General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: Old musty sock odor in cabin upon takeoff. All Flight Attendants (FA) contacted one another and captain; flight deck smelled it also; dissipated somewhat and returned; diversion was decided against and just get into [destination]. Landed just before midnight. FA had headaches and nausea and wanted checked out by medical personnel. Station Manager did not meet aircraft as asked; daily ops took 2 1/2 hours to get us medics. Was transported to hospital by ambulance for blood tests and blood was not drawn till [very early morning]. Tests ok by that point; released from hospital to follow up with physician. Was transported to airport for deadhead. Take care of aircraft and ground them if they have these problems until solved as to not put crew and passengers' health and lives in jeopardy. If it does occur; take care of crew IMMEDIATELY. Transport to hospital IMMEDIATELY for testing and treatment as to not expose them to chemicals and fumes as short of time as possible. Each station NEEDS to be aware of these situations and how to handle them!


Second narrative: During takeoff for this flight there was a weird smell throughout the cabin one of the flight attendants in the rear of the aircraft called the A-FA and notified her of the strong odor. The A-FA called the flight deck and informed them of the odor. A few minutes later the captain called and stated that we would be diverting. Then a few minutes later the captain notified the lead FA that we were going to continue on to [original destination]. As we continued on the fumes in the cabin continued and were getting stronger. There were also a few passengers complaining about the smell. All the while we were doing service and also trying to answer passengers' questions; keep calm and stay professional without causing panic. After finally landing in ZZZ we requested medical attention and also requested to have a manager meet us at the gate; which never happened. Instead we waited outside for an hour and a half before we were told to go to the other side of the terminal where the manager would be waiting for us. We wait another 30-40 mins before the fire department medical team shows up; they take our vitals and personal information. We then get transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further evaluation. We spend all night in the ER and finally get discharged [early the next morning].


Synopsis: The flight attendants of an Airbus A330 reported a musty sock odor in the cabin during takeoff and continued during flight. Many required medical attention.