Two MD80 Flight Attendants refused to fly in an aircraft with the air conditioning system inoperative because cabin temperatures were excessive.
Synopsis
Two MD80 Flight Attendants refused to fly in an aircraft with the air conditioning system inoperative because cabin temperatures were excessive.
Narrative
After takeoff I heard a loud sputtering sound. The #1 called to the back to inquire if we heard the noise and we confirmed we did. We landed; deplaned and boarded another flight. I informed #1 that I did not feel well and was seeing stars and hot in the cabin. We all confirmed that we did not feel well. We departed; and after takeoff; we heard unusual noises. We were told it was the air conditioning packs were struck by lightning. Upon arrival; we spoke with the Captain regarding temperature in cabin and possible lightning strike. Captain said air conditioning packs would probably not be able to be fixed. All Flight Attendants wanted to deplane due to extreme heat until we had more info regarding maintenance. The Captain asked if we would fly without air conditioning being fixed and we said NO; too hot; not feeling well already. Apparently there were no other aircraft available and Maintenance would not be able to fix it. Captain asked us again if we would fly with one air conditioning pack and if not; trip would have to be re-crewed. Captain informed us yellow hoses were brought up through aft doors to cool down aircraft but still warm. We said we could not have doors open during boarding which would be a safety and security issue. Station Flight Service spoke with us and said about a fourth of the aircraft was cool and Captain informed them it could take a possible hour to hour and a half to cool down and no guarantee. Station Flight Service informed us that if we did not take flight; we would receive a missed trip and flight would be re-crewed. The #1 Flight Attendant continued the trip due to pay issues. The #4 and myself declined and felt that our health and safety were more important.
Second reporter narrative
After takeoff we heard a loud rumble and vibration. The #1 called and asked if we heard the noise in the back. We confirmed we did. We landed; deplaned and boarded another flight. During boarding; I told #1 I was not feeling right somewhat lethargic. She said she was feeling some of the same feelings. We both felt it was odd we were feeling the same. Later we found out the #2 was feeling dizzy; seeing stars and over heated. During flight again we heard unusual noises. We were told it was the packs. We were also told we were hit by lightning. Once we landed; we were told we did not have air conditioning. No confirmation as to whether we were hit by lightning. The #2 asked several times about the lightning; never to receive a clear understanding as to what occurred. Upon arrival a Mechanic came on to fix a tray table; cabin service came to clean gum off the jumpseat and the Captain informed us of issues with the air conditioning. The chances of being repaired did not look good. We deplaned due to excessive heat while a decision was made. The Captain asked if we would fly the aircraft without air conditioning stating the cockpit would have air but not the cabin. We all agreed NO! We were under the impression the mechanics would try to repair. This did not occur. The ground hose was brought into the aircraft through the aft doors to cool it while on the ground. According to the flight service this was successful for about a quarter of the plane. The Captain continually asked if we would be willing to work on an aircraft with faulty air conditioning packs. The Captain wanted to board with the aircraft doors open. We disagreed due to safety and security reasons. The Captain said it was possible to cool the plane after approximately 1 to 1 and a half hours in flight; but no guarantees. We agreed to continue our trip with a repaired aircraft. We were told if we did not agree to work on an aircraft with no air conditioning with the temperatures between 97-100 degrees; the flight would be re-crewed and we would receive a missed trip. During the 2 hour delay we were in close contact with our supervisors and Union Vice Chair. The #1 chose to continue due to pay issues. Myself and the #4 chose not to continue; agreeing the potential health hazards out weighed the potential loss of pay. We were deadheaded as no confirmed back to our base. First and foremost safety and security should be our priority. Deferring mechanicals is not acceptable when it could potentially be a health hazard!
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.