Date: 201908
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Aircraft: A321
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Descent
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Physiological - Other
Second reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Detector: Person Flight Attendant; Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: When preparing for departure in ZZZ1 I smelled what is best described as engine exhaust/oil. The APU was off and jet bridge air was being supplied to the aircraft. I felt like I had an instant headache. I have not had that experience before; nor did I realize that this could be an issue or what exactly was causing it. I asked the FO [First Officer] if he wouldn't mind turning off the air. He obliged. I started the APU and selected the bleed on. The airflow seemed to help a little. I didn't realize at the time just how 'off' I was. Fast forward to arriving at the gate in ZZZ. The mid FA after deplaning was done asked if smelling oil in the cabin was 'normal'? I said; 'no.' I could physically see she was not physically and mentally herself. I told her we needed to seek medical attention. I grabbed the logbook and asked the crew to deplane ASAP. The two aft FAs said as soon as they got to mid cabin they were overwhelmed with the smell of oil. We documented it all in the logbook. The mid FA stated she smelled it on the descent and it got worse and worse. I reminded her that these are items that she should not hesitate to call the flight deck for. I always include this in my briefing and try to make sure the cabin crew is comfortable with calling for anything and that sharing information is crucial to the safety of flight. I truly believe she didn't call as it affected her decision making. Without knowing why it occurred it is too difficult to state how to avoid it in the future; but I know that I felt ill for a solid 24-36 hours after being exposed.


Second narrative: Upon descent into ZZZ I smelled a light and distinct odor of oil. As FA #3; I was seated at the 2R Door of the aircraft. The smell of oil became very intense upon landing and even stronger as passengers were deplaning. I was feeling lightheaded; dizzy and had a headache. With the last passenger deplaned I approached the flight deck and informed [the] Captain that I smelled the oil and asked if that was normal because I had not experienced that strong an odor of oil before. She asked me when I smelled it and where. I explained and left the plane for the jet bridge where FA #2 said she also smelled the distinct odor of oil as she approached the midsection of the aircraft. Captain investigated the smell and prevented the oncoming crew from entering the cabin. Continuing to feel dizzy with an accompanying headache; remaining crew FA #1 and FA #4 stayed with me until I was met by Duty Manager; a paramedic; administered medication for nausea and was examined at the airport Health Clinic and for (chest x-rays). Suggestions: Take this fume event ordeal to the next level of investigation for all aircraft. It is a serious event affecting the lives of flight attendants as well as those we are supposed to assist in the event of a greater event.


Synopsis: A321 Captain and a Flight Attendant reported experiencing a fumes event; which worsened during descent. On arrival crew members received medical treatment for health issues.