Longest-Serving Flight Attendant Bette Nash Dies at 88

Flight Attendant Bette Nash, the Longest-Serving in the World, Dies at 88

Bette Nash, who held the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving flight attendant career, has died at 88. Nash began her career in 1957 with Eastern Air Lines and spent 67 years flying for various airlines, including American Airlines, US Airways, and the Trump Shuttle before retiring in 2023. Nash was known for her friendly and professional demeanor, and she often shared stories about the "golden age" of flying when flight attendants wore pillbox hats and girdles and first-class passengers enjoyed lobster and carved meat dinners. She was also a strong advocate for flight attendants' rights and served as a union representative for the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. "Bette was a legend at American and throughout the industry, inspiring generations of flight attendants," American Airlines said in a statement announcing her death. "Fly high, Bette. We'll miss you." Nash's Career Highlights

Began her career with Eastern Air Lines in 1957

Spent much of her time based out of Reagan National Airport flying daily routes, including the D.C.-to-Boston shuttle that became known to regulars as the "Nash Dash."

Certified as the Guinness World Record holder for the longest flight attendant career, with more than 64 years in the sky on Jan. 4, 2021.

Recognized again in another world record as the oldest active flight attendant on Jan. 4, 2022 at 86 years and four days old.

Survived airline deregulation, strikes, oil crises, and 9/11.

Nash's Legacy Nash was not only a record-setting flight attendant but also a role model for other flight attendants and a beloved figure in the airline industry. She will be remembered for her friendly smile, her dedication to her passengers, her advocacy for flight attendants' rights, and her love of flying. "She didn't hold against anyone their frustrations or unhappiness with delays," said Kenneth Feinberg, a Washington attorney and frequent flyer who flew with Nash often. "She loved meeting the plumber on a vacation with his wife, or the waiter or busboy — she saw in her workday a microcosm of America. And she loved that."