Bette Nash, the world’s longest-tenured flight attendant, passed away at the age of 88 after dedicating an impressive 67 years to serving the skies.
In a memo addressed to flight attendants on Saturday, ABC News obtained information that our beloved colleague, Bette Nash, the longest-serving flight attendant at American Airlines, has passed away.
Nash passed away on May 17 while receiving hospice care following a recent diagnosis of breast cancer. Despite her illness, she never formally retired from her position with American Airlines.
In 1957, Nash embarked on her career in Washington, D.C. with Eastern Airlines, which eventually merged with American Airlines. Despite having the opportunity to select any route globally, Nash predominantly operated on the DC-NY-Boston Shuttle. This choice allowed her to be present at home every evening, ensuring the proper care of her son who has Down syndrome.
In 2022, she achieved the prestigious title of the longest-serving flight attendant, as recognized by the Guinness World Records.
“In the memo, Brady Byrnes, senior vice president of Inflight & Premium Guest Services for American Airlines, praised Bette for her sharp sense of humor, captivating persona, and unwavering dedication to serving others. He emphasized that she not only set a remarkable example for flight attendants but also inspired everyone in the airline industry.”
In a 2022 interview with ABC News, Nash shared that when she initially embarked on her aviation journey, passengers would have to buy life insurance from a vending machine before boarding. During that time, flights between New York and Washington, D.C. were priced at a mere $12.
Nash looked back on the rigorous regulations that she and fellow flight attendants had to abide by in terms of weight and personal relationships in order to sustain their careers.
According to Nash, the airline would conduct home visits to verify that she was not cohabitating with a partner, as flight attendants were required to be single. Additionally, she mentioned that the airline would weigh her before each shift and could potentially suspend her if she exceeded a certain weight threshold.
“It was once a terrible experience, with strict height and weight requirements. If you gained a few pounds, you had to constantly weigh yourself to ensure you met the standards. If you didn’t, they would remove you from the payroll,” Nash shared during a flight in 2017, while ABC affiliate WJLA’s cameras were onboard.”
Before she passed away, Nash regularly attended flight attendant training in accordance with the rules of the Federal Aviation Administration.
The airline expressed that Bette was a revered figure in the industry, and those who had the privilege of flying with her admired her as a source of inspiration and a true expert in her field. They mentioned in their memo, “Bette, soar to new heights. Your presence will be deeply missed.”
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