Flight Attendant Airline Total 36; Flight Attendant Number Of Acft Qualified On 4; Flight Attendant Total 36; Flight Attendant Type 70
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft
About 3 hours before landing business class Flight Attendants (FA) reported a strong chemical/electrical odor in their cabin. I was Inflight Purser; [and] I walked back on aircraft left and confirmed odor. Cockpit was immediately notified. Extinguishers were made ready; power ports were shut off. Business class lights were turned on to see smoke. No smoke was detected. Pilots turned off recirc fans and this seemed to help reduce the smell. About 20 min later a passenger seated behind business class center bulkhead reported that area around him was very hot. As we searched we found the low center wall of bulkhead very hot to the touch. Magazines were removed from rack and we looked behind business class center seats. We saw no smoke; no immediate odor; however observed a vent system behind the dog houses in front of center bulkhead behind business class; forward of seat. FAs were instructed to turn off the power to the VCC video system. After we did this the area got cooler and we kept both power ports and video system off for remainder off flight. PA informing the passengers was made by me and I assured them that every precaution was being taken to ensure their safety. Cockpit was continually appraised. Approximately 30 min before landing the strong odor returned; this time we could smell it in First class and cockpit as well. The cockpit turned off the gasper fans.We landed without incident. I remained on board and stayed and explained all the events in detail to the mechanics who met the flight. I was informed we had lithium ion batteries in cargo. The cause of strong electrical burning odor was never found; no emergency equipment was used and no one reported any injury to me. I ended up with a strong migraine post trip. Crew did everything to ensure safety and we remained vigilant through flight. Continual checks throughout area was maintained by entire crew.
B777 Flight Attendant reported a strong electrical/chemical odor in the cabin. The cause was never determined; but reporter was advised of the presence of lithium ion batteries in the cargo compartment.