After almost 67 years of service in the aviation industry, Bette Nash, the flight attendant with the longest tenure in the world, passed away at the age of 88.
American Airlines shared the sad news of Nash’s passing in a memo to flight attendants, remembering her dedication and service throughout the years. Nash began her career in 1957 in Washington, D.C., with Eastern Airlines, which later merged with American Airlines. She chose to work primarily on the DC-NY-Boston Shuttle route to be home every night for her son, who had Down syndrome.
In 2022, Nash was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the longest-serving flight attendant, a testament to her commitment and passion for her work.
During her career, Nash witnessed significant changes in the industry. She reminisced about an era when passengers would buy life insurance from vending machines before boarding, and flights were as cheap as $12 between certain destinations. Nash also reflected on the strict regulations flight attendants faced, including weight checks and restrictions on personal relationships.
Despite the challenges she faced, Nash was known for her quick wit, magnetic personality, and dedication to serving others. American Airlines praised her as an industry icon and a role model, emphasizing her professionalism and impact on those who flew with her.
Nash’s legacy as a trailblazer in the airline industry lives on, and she will be dearly missed by her colleagues and passengers alike.
