Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 21654; Flight Crew Type 13158
Troubleshooting; Time Pressure; Distraction; Confusion; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During climb thru approximately 15000 ft Captain PM (Pilot Monitoring) took a call from flight attendant. All operations normal to this point. Lead FA (Flight Attendant) informed Captain that there was a very strong odor; a burning smell; what appeared to be smoke and acrid haze permeating the cabin; especially toward the back of the aircraft. She noted that the smell was very strong and haze was getting worse. Captain questioned if they could identify the location or source and they said no but were looking. Captain decided that best and safest course of action was to [advise ATC] and coordinate [a return to the departure airport]. FO (First Officer) remained flying pilot and worked with ATC to turn aircraft back to [the departure airport]. Captain ran smoke; fire or fumes checklist and spoke again with flight attendants. Passengers were then briefed. Further coordination with ATC; company and maintenance. PM then returned to assist PF (Pilot Flying) in descent and arrival planning and briefing. Final call to FAs PM was informed that smell and haze was dissipating and uneventful overweight landing weight was made. ARFF met aircraft and no hotspots were noted on aircraft. Aircraft was then taxied to gate. No further abnormal events.
B737 Captain reported smoke in the cabin during climbout.