Date: 201912
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Aircraft: A321
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Human factors: Physiological - Other
Anomaly: Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury
Detector: Person Passenger; Person Flight Crew; Person Flight Attendant
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: I was the Number 3 Flight Attendant on this flight. About 2 1/2 hours into the flight; I looked at my watch when I first started smelling the strong odor of dirty socks. I brought it to the attention of the Number 4 Flight Attendant and Number 6 Flight Attendant who were also in business class at the time. They smelled it as well. It went into first class and our business cabin. I notified the Purser who called the Captain. About 10 min later I called the Captain myself because the smell was still strong and we were starting to feel sick. I had a bad headache and my throat had a burning sensation and was scratchy. Also; I felt nauseous. We had numerous conversations with the flight deck. They were deciding whether to divert or not; (continued to destination). They also said they smelled the odor in the cockpit as well. First Officer told me on a bathroom break that this was serious and he took oxygen. We told the Captain that we would like to be met by Flight Service. A representative from Company met us (on arrival) was concerned at how we looked and took our statements. She then walked us to clinic at ZZZ. Pax in business were all sleeping and very lethargic not common for this flight and time of day. Number 4 Flight Attendant and I felt sick. Headaches; nausea; fog; burning throats. On the way there I asked if they could do blood work because I knew we needed it ASAP. She said she was unsure. When we got there they said they could do all tests but X-rays but that proved untrue. They cannot do blood work there. We were at the clinic for 3 hours and given oxygen. We were then given the choice to go get blood work; but by that time it is useless since we had been off the plane for hours and given oxygen.I have been told Company now uses a toxic fuel additive and also a different brand of oil. I feel this should be looked into. Also the because of design of the plane; more and more fume events are happening and effecting our health. Something needs to be done. Air filters need to provide clean and healthy air to breathe. I strongly feel improvements need to be made to protect our safety and health. I want the airline back that I worked at when I first started in mid 90's we did not have all these fume events. This needs to be looked into and we need to be informed on how to protect ourselves.




Synopsis: A321 Flight Attendant crew reported notifying flight deck of strong dirty socks odor during flight resulting in physiological issues. Flight crew elected to continue to destination.