Bette Nash, best known as the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, passed away this week in hospice care after a recent breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 88.
American Airlines released a statement to flight attendants this Saturday confirming Nash’s passing, as reported by ABC News.
“It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear colleague, Bette Nash, the longest-tenured flight attendant at American Airlines,”
ABC NEws
Although she had not been in great health recently, Nash never officially retired from her role with American Airlines. This dedication earned her the title of the longest-serving flight attendant, with a remarkable tenure of nearly 67 years.
Nash began her career as a flight attendant in Washington D.C. in 1957 with Eastern Airlines, which later becameAmerican Airlines. Despite having the ability to choose any route in the world, Nash opted to primarily work the Washington D.C., New York, Boston Shuttle so that she could return home every night to be with her son, who has Downsyndrome.
Brady Byrnes, Senior Vice President of Inflight & Premium Guest Services for American Airlines also released a statement following Nash’s passing.
“With her quick wit, magnetic personality and passion for serving others, Bette set an example not just for the flight attendant profession but for all of us in the airline industry,”
ABC NEWS
During her career, Bette witnessed a complete overhaul of air travel in America and worldwide. In a 2022 interview, Nash reflected on the contrast between flying then and flying now. He mentioned that passengers used to buy life insurance from a vending machine before boarding, and flights only cost $12 from New York to Washington D.C.
At the time, Nash reflected on the strict restrictions regarding weight and personal relationships she and other flight attendants had to endure to maintain their careers.
“You had to be a certain height, you had to be a certain weight. It used to be horrible. You put on a few pounds and you had to keep weighing yourself, and then if you stayed that way, they would take you off the payroll,”
ABC NEws
Rest in peace!
