Date: 201407
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: B737-700
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise; Parked
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ; Ramp ZZZ
Aircraft component: Hydraulic System
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty); Flight Attendant In Charge
Reporter qualification: Flight Attendant Current
Human factors: Distraction; Physiological - Other; Communication Breakdown
Second reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty); Flight Attendant In Charge
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: In-flight
Result: General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Contributing factors: Procedure; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related; Company Policy; Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: The 'Z' [Flight Attendant (FA)] reported to me that she could smell something burning in the cabin around Rows 8;9;10. I then went out and smelt a burning plastic smell at Row 17. I walked through the cabin to the front of the aircraft and told the 'X' [FA] that we could smell something burning. The 'X' then walked through and smelt the burning smell as well. We then called the Captain; and they also could smell it. We also had a commuting pilot and asked her what she thought it may be. The Captain said that it may be chemicals from the ventilation system. Apparently; it had maintenance done the day before. Our eyes; nose; and throat were burning; and we began having headaches. We continued to our destination. After several hours on the ground in the airport; we were told that the plane was out of service but not what was wrong with it. Finally; we got another plane and worked to our next destination. All of us were still sick from the burning chemical smell. We had ourselves pulled and EMT's and fire personnel meet our plane. We then were sent to the hospital to be treated. The Captain should have diverted the plane to a closer destination or even went back to the departure airport. We did not learn until today what exactly we were breathing for 2 1/2 hours. Although apparently the Captain told the new crew that took over for us that it was hydraulic fluid that was leaking and burning through the ventilation system.


Second narrative: I was flying 'X' on flight when my 'Z' Flight Attendant said she smelled a burning smell in cabin and asked if I would check and see if I also smelled the same. I walked through the cabin and smelled a slightly strong burning/chemical smell.The plane was pulled on arrival; and we continued on after an aircraft swap. The symptoms continued during the next flight. When we landed; I contacted scheduling to have the flight attendant crew pulled due to chemical inhalation. EMT's checked each Flight Attendant and advised of an ER visit. We went as a flight attendant crew to (hospital) for treatment. I will be following up with the Company Doctor.


Synopsis: B737-700 flight attendants reported a burning plastic; chemical odor in the cabin causing headaches; burning eyes and throat. After arrival the aircraft was removed from service; but the crew continued; then reported ill at the next destination and sought medical attention. Hydraulic fluid was reported in the air conditioning system.