Date: 201911
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Aircraft: A319
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Parked; Taxi
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Human factors: Physiological - Other
Second reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Detector: Person Flight Attendant; Person Passenger
When detected: Aircraft In Service At Gate; Taxi
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: I walked to Row 21 to begin the safety demo and as I walked forward I immediately smelled a strong sour/rancid odor. I placed my demo kit on the floor and then walked forward to B Flight Attendant to inquire if she smelled the same thing. The B Flight Attendant said that she did so we walked to the A Flight Attendant to ask that she call the pilots. She did and they said that it was a deicing smell. We agreed to observe the smell and proceeded with the safety demo. Around the aft of the plane; after we completed the safety demo; the smell was still present and did not dissipate. I walked forward to ask the A Flight Attendant if I could call the pilots to inquire how long the smell would last. When I spoke to them they said it could dissipate after takeoff or linger; but it was hard to say. They said if we didn't feel safe going; we could let them know. The A Flight Attendant walked to the aft cabin to observe the smell and returned saying she smelt a faint smell. Then we were told to be seated for takeoff. We took our seats when the A Flight Attendant called the B Flight Attendant to see if we still smelled the odor. Both myself and the B Flight Attendant noted that we started to feel burning in our nostrils and I also told the B Flight Attendant that my nose/sinuses felt stuffy. Then the A Flight Attendant called the pilots who also said they smelled the odors and that we were returning to the gate. After we returned to the gate; we had a guest come to the galley to ask for water for his wife who felt dizzy. We checked with the guests in last rows 29 and 30 who also said they smelled the unusual odor. After we began deplaning; we checked in with our unaccompanied minor; in 29X to make sure she was OK and as we were standing by 29Y we could smell a faint sour odor again. Checking with the B Flight Attendant; I told her that I had a headache and felt light headed.


Second narrative: We were finishing up boarding on Flight ABCD when I myself called the flight deck from the back of the aircraft to tell them the aircraft was very warm and to please cool it down. They told me it was going take a few minutes for them to connect the APU. We then finished up boarding and I could tell that the APU had started. We closed the door and began our safety demo. We were almost done with the safety demo when the C Flight Attendant motioned to me she could smell something in the cabin. At the end of the safety demo she walked up to the front and we both informed the A Flight Attendant that we were smelling something sour in the cabin. The A Flight Attendant then called the flight deck to inform them of the odd smell. The flight deck informed the flight attendant that it was probably the leftover deicing fluid from the previous flight. We then finished compliance still smelling the small sour smell and took our jumpseat. As we taxied out the smell became stronger to the point that it was burning our nostrils. And we were starting to smell another scent. At this time guests [passengers] were also beginning to complain of the smell; the A [Flight Attendant] again called the flight deck and inform them of the smell becoming worse. At this time; myself and the C Flight Attendant were beginning to become lightheaded and headaches were beginning for both of us. The Captain at this point go on the PA and announced we were going back to the gate. Once we got to the gate I had a passenger come back and tell me his wife was not feeling well. I approach the guest and she was feeling lightheaded and nauseous I gave her some water but she mentioned she was OK. And did not need any further medical attention. Other guests stop me in the aisle and informed me they had smelt the smell. We then proceeded to quickly deplane all the guests off the aircraft.


Synopsis: A319 Flight Attendant crew reported strong fumes during taxi resulting in ground gate return. Health issues were experienced by Flight Attendant crew as well passengers.