Air carrier flight attendants reported a strong fume odor during the initial departure climb. The flight returned to the departure airport.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight attendants reported a strong fume odor during the initial departure climb. The flight returned to the departure airport.
Narrative
After takeoff; there was a strong fume smell in the aft cabin. The number four and I commented that it was a really strong smell. The smell grew stronger. It was almost as if it turned from burning fuel to burning plastic. I have never smelled anything like this in many years of flying.I got up and checked the lavs for fires and looked for face masks. And then the smoke alarm went off in the first class lavatory. I remained in the back aircraft while the number four; took the halon and personal breathing apparatus (PBA) to 1st class. When I contacted the #1; she was speaking with the Captain who said we were returning back to ZZZ.When we went to the clinic; we were told that since it had been approximately an hour since the incident happened there was really no need to go to the hospital to check for fume inhalation/ingestion. All of the flight attendants were feeling off; experiencing headaches; metallic taste in the mouth; stuffy nose; nauseous…The fire department was there when we landed; and two firemen boarded the aircraft to check for cabin fires in between the fuselage walls. I asked them if they were checking for fumes; they said no. Moving forward that would be the way to go; to check for toxic fumes as well. When the FSM boarded the aircraft; he could smell the fumes as well. The Captain wrote a report as well. He was experiencing toxic taste in the mouth…as well.
Second reporter narrative
Heavy burning smell in cabin; first class lavatory smoke detector went offFire department came on when we arrived at gate
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.