Bette Nash, the Guinness World Record holder for the longest-serving flight attendant, has passed away at the age of 88.
American Airlines confirmed Nash’s death in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air,” the airline wrote.
“She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant,” American Airlines added. “Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette.”
According to ABC News, Nash passed away in hospice following a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Despite her health challenges, she never formally retired from her position at American Airlines.
In 1957, Nash launched her career in Washington, D.C. with Eastern Airlines, which eventually merged with American Airlines.
“I wanted to be a flight attendant from the time I got on the first airplane – I was 16 years old, I was sitting with my mother on a green leather couch at Washington [Reagan National Airport], and this crew came up from TWA,” she told CNN in 2016.
“The pilot and the flight attendant walked across the hall and I thought ‘Oh my God,’ and I said that was for me,” she added.
Nash witnessed significant changes in aviation over six decades, recalling how early flights were luxurious, with passengers dressed formally and dining on lavish meals.
“You worked harder physically in those days,” Nash explained. “We served this big meal tray. And I was the only one on the plane, so I had to take care of everybody.”
Bette Nash Saw Many Changes to the Airline Industry During Her Prolific Career as a Flight Attendant
Over the years, the most significant changes Nash observed were in technology. Initially, flight schedules were written on a blackboard, and manuals came as books. These were eventually replaced with tablets, which was a major adjustment for her.
Still, she never thought of hanging up her wings.
“Technology really made the difference of, ‘Am I going to stay or am I going to go?’” she admitted.
“But even when I think I might retire or something, then I come to work and think, ‘Oh, I couldn’t do that.’ It’s stimulating coming out here. The airlines are evolving continuously, and you have to evolve with them.”
In early 2022, Nash received the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a flight attendant.
“Her career surpasses the last longest flight attendant with 63 years, 61 days as of January 4, 2021,” Guinness wrote in the announcement.
On social media, tributes poured in for Bette Nash, who affected many lives during her career as a flight attendant. “We will miss you deeply at DCA! It was a pleasure flying with you, Bette,” a fellow flight attendant wrote alongside a snapshot with Nash. “Bette was a class act. Truly a loss for the skies. She was truly an AAngel,” another X user wrote.
“I flew on many shuttle flights from BOS-DCA and back with Ms. Nash. She was always a joy to fly with,” a third admirer added.
Meanwhile, on Instagram, some users were urging American Airlines to pay tribute to Nash’s remarkable career. “Could name a flight attendant training center honoring her legacy,” one Instagram denizen wrote in the comments. “You need to set up a scholarship fund in her name,” another user added.