- She was affiliated with American Airlines and never officially retired
- Nash started her career in 1957, when she was 21 years old and flights cost $12
Bette Nash, the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, has died at the age of 88.
In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, according to American Airlines: ‘We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who lovingly cared for our customers in the air for almost seventy years.
“She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette.”
Nash was associated with American Airlines for 67 years and never officially retired from her position. ABC news reported.
According to the newspaper, she died on May 17 in a hospice after a recent breast cancer diagnosis.
Bette Nash (above), the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, has died at the age of 88
Nash began her career in 1957, when she was 21 years old, with Eastern Airlines, which later became American Airlines. She started flying when tickets cost just $12 (£9) and schedules were written on blackboards
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the union representing flight attendants in the US, also posted a tribute to Nash on Facebook.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of DCA flight attendant Bette Nash, the world’s most senior flight attendant.
“Bette’s remarkable career spanned more than six decades, during which she touched countless lives with her warmth, dedication and unparalleled service.
‘Her passion for flying and her commitment to her passengers were truly inspiring. Bette’s legacy will forever be remembered in the aviation community and by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Nash started her career as a 21-year-old with Eastern Airlines, which later became American Airlines.
Nash was associated with American Airlines for 67 years and never officially left her position, ABC News reports
She died on May 17 in hospice care after a recent breast cancer diagnosis
She started flying when tickets cost just $12 (£9) and schedules were written on blackboards, MailOnline previously reported. Nash flew with the Kennedys, serving lobster and charcuterie platters.
In 2022, she achieved the Guinness World Record title as the world’s longest-serving flight attendant.
She worked primarily on the New York-Boston-Washington DC routes so she could come home every evening to care for her son, who has Down syndrome.
Over the years, Bette has built several lasting relationships with customers on board the shuttle. One of her regulars, Simon Johnson, told MailOnline in 2017: ‘I think the most amazing and impressive thing about Bette is the way she warms up the whole plane.
“You walk along, you meet her, she knows your name, she remembers the conversation she had with you yesterday or last week or a month ago.”