Narrative:

Approximately 15-20 minutes after level off at cruise (FL370) the 'a' flight attendant (flight attendant) called with reports of a light acrid odor around the L1 door. The ca (captain) queried her for more specifics (related to identifying type of odor) and they agreed to monitor for changes. The ca and I reviewed the 'odors' flight ops bulletin and discussed the potential of a developing fumes event. After a few minutes the 'a' reported an increase in intensity with eye irritation. We decided that this was likely a fumes event and proceeded to run the 'fumes' checklist from the QRH; selecting pack 2 off as we had no indication or any fumes in the cockpit. We also advised dispatch of a potential need to divert and discussed ZZZ or ZZZ1 as possible choices. Dispatch advised ZZZ as closest (which we already knew). After the required 5 minute interval the ca queried the flight attendant and she reported the condition had worsened. We then switched pack configuration per the QRH with pack 2 on and pack 1 off. Just before that 5 minute interval ended the flight attendant reported continued worsening with fumes now affecting the passengers in the first few rows of the cabin. We made the decision to divert to ZZZ. The ca advised ATC. As I was already the pilot flying the ca had me continue as such and gave me the radio communication duties as well so that he could coordinate better handle the growing non-flying duties. ATC gave us priority handling and the remainder of the descent and landing was uneventful. Emergency equipment was offered and I accepted as well as requesting emts to be waiting at the gate. After landing we decided the fumes were not at a critical level so we continued to clear the runway and proceeded to the gate. We had not received any gate confirmation and were unable to contact station ops on the radio so the ca decided to proceed to our 'normal' gate and after a few minutes delay station personnel arrived. We asked all passengers to deplane and the emts met/treated fas and passengers as needed. We at no time noticed any fumes on the flight deck during the entire event. Suggestions: fume event as described. We diverted to a low use station and were lucky station personnel happened to be there. Dispatch should have offered more suggestions for possible divert choices based on operational factors other than closest airport. In hindsight; ZZZ1 was probably a better choice and not any further away (time wise) as we were too high/close to descend straight in to ZZZ. Also; we were unable to contact station ops once on the ground. In my experience; this has been an ongoing system wide systemic problem and in my opinion one day our collective luck will run out.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A320 flight crew reported Flight Attendant informed them of acrid odor in the forward cabin area. Flight crew executed a diversion due to fumes intensifying.

Narrative: Approximately 15-20 minutes after level off at cruise (FL370) the 'A' FA (Flight Attendant) called with reports of a light acrid odor around the L1 door. The CA (Captain) queried her for more specifics (related to identifying type of odor) and they agreed to monitor for changes. The CA and I reviewed the 'odors' flight ops bulletin and discussed the potential of a developing fumes event. After a few minutes the 'A' reported an increase in intensity with eye irritation. We decided that this was likely a fumes event and proceeded to run the 'fumes' checklist from the QRH; selecting Pack 2 off as we had no indication or any fumes in the cockpit. We also advised Dispatch of a potential need to divert and discussed ZZZ or ZZZ1 as possible choices. Dispatch advised ZZZ as closest (which we already knew). After the required 5 minute interval the CA queried the FA and she reported the condition had worsened. We then switched pack configuration per the QRH with Pack 2 on and Pack 1 off. Just before that 5 minute interval ended the FA reported continued worsening with fumes now affecting the passengers in the first few rows of the cabin. We made the decision to divert to ZZZ. The CA advised ATC. As I was already the Pilot Flying the CA had me continue as such and gave me the radio communication duties as well so that he could coordinate better handle the growing non-flying duties. ATC gave us priority handling and the remainder of the descent and landing was uneventful. Emergency equipment was offered and I accepted as well as requesting EMTs to be waiting at the gate. After landing we decided the fumes were not at a critical level so we continued to clear the runway and proceeded to the gate. We had not received any gate confirmation and were unable to contact station ops on the radio so the CA decided to proceed to our 'normal' gate and after a few minutes delay station personnel arrived. We asked all passengers to deplane and the EMTs met/treated FAs and passengers as needed. We at no time noticed any fumes on the flight deck during the entire event. Suggestions: fume event as described. We diverted to a low use station and were lucky station personnel happened to be there. Dispatch should have offered more suggestions for possible divert choices based on operational factors other than closest airport. In hindsight; ZZZ1 was probably a better choice and not any further away (time wise) as we were too high/close to descend straight in to ZZZ. Also; we were unable to contact station ops once on the ground. In my experience; this has been an ongoing system wide systemic problem and in my opinion one day our collective luck will run out.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.