Date: 202111
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Tower, US
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Climb
Aircraft component: Coalescer Bag
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Reporter qualification: Flight Attendant Current
Human factors: Time Pressure; Physiological - Other; Workload
Second reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: Captain [name] called back to the Flight Attendants approximately 6 minutes in to climb and asked the A & B FA (Flight Attendants) if we smelled fumes of burning oil or 'Dirty Socks' we both replied we did not smell anything out of ordinary. We came out of sterile flight; and the emergency light and call was initiated; we were told by the Captain we had requested priority handling; and returning immediately to gate at ZZZ. The Captain further said he would advise the passengers to the situation and we had 8 to 10 minutes to prepare for landing. We instructed the passengers to buckle up; put trays and seats upright; put away carry on bags. Lifts window shades for landing; We landed without [issues].. Hard; fast; and seemed heavy due to full fuel. The pax were alert and seemed highly aware; and when they saw the [Airport Rescue and Firefighting] vehicles they were a bit more animated. Captain came on the PA soon and said all is clear no problems ; [support] equipment was part of routine. The passengers were aware of new gate and plane to continue flight to ZZZ1 even before we were completely deplaned. We debriefed from the [safe] landing. Company and Supervisors called and asked if we were OK to continue with our legs to complete the scheduled flights. We both agreed we were OK to go forward and continue. Honestly; at the moment; with the pax already at the next gate; I felt ready...... I regret that mental decision. I was running on unrecognizable adrenalin. I did not know or understand the mental dump that was about to happen. On the flight from ZZZ to ZZZ1 I felt like I had been hit by a bus; I had a sever headache and I knew it was the adrenalin from the event. Its not reasonable to have the flight crew continue on; after such an event. I agreed because I was two flights from home base; I thought and believed I was fine and fit for flight. Good Lord forbid an event were to happen again; I believe I will make different choices; in a landing event aftermath.


Second narrative: At approximately 5-10 minutes into takeoff Captain [name] called to ask if FA [name] or myself smelled fumes of a burnt oil or 'dirty socks'. We both responded that no odor was detected at that time.Immediately after sterile light went off; the Captain called on pilot emergency line. He informed us that because of fumes in cockpit we were heading back to ZZZ. We had 10-15 minutes to prepare cabin for landing. There was no special instructions and no brace commands would be needed. Captain then informed passengers of situation and the cabin remained calm and understanding.We landed without incident. FA (Flight Attendant) explained to passengers via intercom why we were met by rescue vehicles and fire trucks. The cabin remained calm.Once rescue [trucks] cleared us we taxied to gate to deplane. Before pax exited they already were notified to proceed to Gate X for flight to ZZZ1.Captain [name] called for a debriefing and we talked for at least 30 minutes about incident. During this time I received a called from an unknown number. I assumed it was crew scheduling advising of 'changes'. Captain said to call them back once we were done with debriefing.As the four of us exited Aircraft X Gate Agent said to proceed to [gate] X because another plane was ready and so were our passengers.After I preflighted new aircraft I called back number. A man named [name] answered and said he heard about landing and wanted to know if I was OK to fly. I said yes. He asked to speak to FA. I realize now that I didn't have time to process events. I didn't realize what 'OK to fly' meant. I didn't understand that my mental and physical abilities might crash. All I knew was a new plane was ready; my passengers were waiting; I had two legs left then I would DH home to my base. I had a job to do. I didn't have a second to breath.....process......During my next two legs I experienced a raging headache and felt shaky. With the experience and support of FA we worked together to make sure these last two legs were perfect but we both realized we were not mentally or physically at the top of our game. When we finally landed in ZZZ1 I was informed from CS (Crew Scheduling) that my DH was canceled and I would remain overnight until a XA;30 flight home on [day]. There was a XE:55 flight to [home] with seats available. I was told I wasn't legal which made no sense to me because I said I would waive extension because I just wanted to go home after the days events. I had one more day of reserve which I could have done at [home].After 15 minutes on hold I yet again told I couldn't go home and I had no more strength to fight this fight. FA was kind enough to drive me to hotel so I didn't have to wait for van. I arrived back home on [day] at approx XC:00.


Synopsis: Air Carrier Captain and flight attendants reported a fume event during initial climb. The flight returned to the departure airport.