Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 129
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
At the top of descent an odor was detected in the main cabin. A Flight Attendant localized the smell to about three rows forward of the exit row at the ceiling. No smoke. No heat was detected as the Flight Attendant used her hand to feel for warmth. The odor dissipated throughout the final 30 minutes of the flight; but still slightly discernible after landing. The odor was not smelled on the flight deck. The smell only appeared in the cabin. The smell could be described as overheated plastic or maybe plastic wire insulation. The odor was written up for maintenance.
B737 Captain reported that a Flight Attendant notified them of an 'overheated plastic' type cabin odor at the beginning of descent. The odor dissipated 30 minutes later.  Maintenance was requested after shutdown.