Legendary Flight Attendant Bette Nash: The World’s Longest-Serving Cabin Crew Member

Bette Nash, a legendary flight attendant who worked for American Airlines for nearly 70 years, passed away at the age of 88. Known as the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, Nash inspired generations of cabin crew with her dedication and passion for her job.

Nash began her career in the aviation industry in 1957 with Eastern Airlines before eventually transitioning to American Airlines in 1990 when they acquired Eastern’s routes. She never officially retired from American Airlines and continued to care for customers in the air until her death.

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants paid tribute to Nash on social media, highlighting her commitment to her work and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. Guinness World Records recognized Nash as the world’s longest-serving flight attendant in 2022, surpassing the previous record with 63 years and 61 days of service as of January 4, 2021.

Nash had a deep passion for flying and recalled the moment she decided to pursue a career as a flight attendant after witnessing a flight crew at Washington Reagan National Airport when she was just 16 years old. She applied for the position after college and found her calling in the skies, where she spent countless hours caring for passengers and ensuring their safety and comfort during flights.

Nash’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched during her time working as a flight attendant, inspiring future generations of cabin crew to follow in her footsteps and pursue careers in aviation.