- She was associated with American Airlines and never officially retired.
- Nash began his career in 1957, when he 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 posted on X, formerly Twitter, American Airlines said: ‘We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our on-air customers.
‘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.
She died on May 17 in palliative care after a recent diagnosis of breast cancer, according to the outlet.
Bette Nash (above), the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, has died at the age of 88.
Nash began his career in 1957, when he was 21, at Eastern Airlines, which later became American Airlines. He started flying when tickets cost only $12 and schedules were written on blackboards.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), the union that represents flight attendants in the United States, also posted a tribute to Nash on Facebook.
‘It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Bette Nash, DCA flight attendant, the highest-ranking flight attendant in the world.
‘Bette’s remarkable career spanned more than six decades, during which she touched countless lives with her warmth, dedication and unparalleled service.
‘His passion for flying and his commitment to his passengers were truly inspiring. “Bette’s legacy will be forever remembered in the aviation community and by all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Nash began his career at age 21 at Eastern Airlines, which later became American Airlines.
Nash was associated with American Airlines for 67 years and never officially retired from her position, ABC News reported.
She died May 17 in palliative care after a recent diagnosis of breast cancer.
It started flying when tickets cost just $12 (£9) and timetables were written on blackboards, MailOnline previously reported. Nash used to fly with the Kennedys and serve lobster and cut meats on platters.
In 2022, she earned the Guinness World Record title as the longest-serving flight attendant in the world.
She worked primarily the New York-Boston-Washington DC routes so she could get home every night to care for her son, who has Down syndrome.
Over the years, Bette established several long-standing customer relationships aboard the ferry. One of her regular clients, Simon Johnson, told MailOnline in 2017: “I think the most surprising and impressive thing about Bette is the way she warms up the entire plane.
“You keep walking, you know her, she knows your name, she remembers the conversation she had with you yesterday, last week or a month ago.”