World’s longest-serving flight attendant dies aged 88: ‘Fly high, Bette’
World's Oldest Flight Attendant Dies at 88
Bette Nash, renowned as the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, has passed away at 88. Starting her career in 1957 with Eastern Airlines, she worked nearly 67 years, primarily on the Washington DC to Boston route to care for her son. Nash, who was attracted to the glamour of flying at a young age, held the Guinness World Record for her tenure. She continued her service until her passing in hospice care following a breast cancer diagnosis. American Airlines and the flight attendant community mourn her loss, remembering her dedication and warmth.
At what age did Bette Nash decide she wanted to become a flight attendant, and what inspired her decision?
Bette Nash decided she wanted to become a flight attendant when she was 16 years old. The romance and glamor of flying, as well as the sophisticated appearance and manners of the crew members, inspired her to pursue this career.
What were some of the employment conditions for flight attendants at the start of Bette Nash's career?
At the beginning of Bette Nash's career as a flight attendant in 1957, employment conditions were quite stringent and heavily focused on physical appearance. Flight attendants were required to meet specific height and weight criteria. Nash described these requirements as "horrible," noting that if a flight attendant gained weight, they were forced to continuously weigh themselves. If they did not return to the required weight, they could be removed from the payroll. These conditions reflect a period in the aviation industry when the role and image of flight attendants were tightly controlled by airlines, emphasizing a certain aesthetic appeal alongside their service duties.