Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Attendant Current
Troubleshooting
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Passenger Electronic Device
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Human Factors
Detected an odor onboard the aircraft; similar to burning Lithium Ion battery. After takeoff I noticed there's [smoke] or a cloud around the exit row. After confirming it with a aft FA (Flight Attendant); called the Captain and I told him there's a smoke [area] and I'm going to check it [out]. Put the lights on and I started opening the overhead [bins]; to check if there's anything on fire and also under the seats as well as [asking] the passengers to remove their mask and so they can confirm [if] there's a smell in [area]. One of the passenger sitting in 14A told me he had Lithium Ion batteries in his bag. I grabbed the bag and opened it and I checked the battery however there's smoke coming out of his bag and neither the batteries are hot either. I tried to keep the Captain updated with the same information above. The smell lasted about 3 to 5 minutes and disappeared after that. Then we prepared the cabin for [a precautionary air return].
Air Carrier Flight Attendant reported burning odor 'similar to burning Lithium Ion battery' during climb. FA investigated the area and determined the 'possible' cause was spare Lithium batteries in passenger carry on bag. Flight executed a safe air return.